By Wesley Omondi
BISSAU, OCTOBER 12, 2024 (CISA)— As Guinea-Bissau prepares for a snap parliamentary election set for November 24, 2024. Rt Rev José Lampra Cà, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bissau has emphasized that the outcome should serve the best interests of the people.
Speaking during the launch of the new pastoral year on October 9, the Catholic Bishop urged political leaders and organizers to ensure a fair and transparent process.
“The most important thing right now is to ask God to guide the country’s political leaders so that they carry out their responsibilities with care, and that the final results of this election benefit the people of Guinea-Bissau,” Bishop Lampra Cà said.
This upcoming legislative election follows the dissolution of the opposition-led parliament by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in December 2023. The President made this decision after alleging that an attempted coup had obstructed his return from the COP28 climate conference. The election is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the country’s political situation.
“We appeal to all those organizing the elections to ensure that the process is conducted in a peaceful environment. It is essential that the elections are free, fair, and transparent,” Bishop Lampra Cà stated, calling for unity among Bissau-Guineans during this critical time.
Bishop Lampra Cà also encouraged the Christian faithful in Guinea-Bissau to play their part in the electoral process by praying for its success. He reminded them of their duty to seek divine intervention for a smooth and positive election.
“It is our responsibility as Christians to offer prayers for the success of this election. We must ask God to grant wisdom to those overseeing the process,” he urged.
During his October 9 address, the Bishop also introduced the theme for the 2024/2025 pastoral year: “A Church in the Service of Hope, Reconciliation, and Peace.” He explained that the theme was chosen to inspire the faithful to focus on hope, reconciliation, and peace as guiding principles for their lives.
“Hope must serve as a guiding light for the people of God. Reconciliation is essential to ensure that we live according to God’s will, while peace should provide the foundation for people to live their lives freely,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the significance of the pastoral theme, Bishop Lampra Cà stressed the importance of self-renewal. He encouraged the faithful to take the opportunity offered by each year to transform negative attitudes and realign themselves with Christian values.
“Each year presents an opportunity from God for us to change our negative behaviors and grow in faith,” said Bishop Lampra Cà, who has led the Diocese of Bissau since his installation in January 2022.
