By Wesley Omondi
PORT LOUIS, OCTOBER 25, 2024 (CISA)— Religious leaders in Mauritius have called for peace, integrity, and accountability as the Indian Ocean Island nation prepares for its General Elections on November 10. In a statement released on Wednesday, October 23, members of the Council of Religions (CoR) emphasized the need for citizens to actively shape their country’s future by upholding these values.
“This is a pivotal moment for the future of our country, and as the Council of Religions, we cannot remain silent. We must remind the public of certain values that are embedded in our religious heritage,” the leaders said.
The CoR members urged the Mauritian population to recognize their civic duty, stressing that political engagement is a collective responsibility. The leaders warned against the risks of disengagement from politics, urging citizens to participate in the election process with a sense of responsibility.
“Every citizen has a moral duty to vote. We cannot afford to become indifferent to politics,” they added.
With concerns mounting over potential violence during the election period, the religious leaders cautioned against the inflammatory rhetoric that often arises during political campaigns. They highlighted the dangers of verbal aggression, which they say can erode political maturity and lead to physical confrontations.
“Verbal violence during campaigns undermines voters’ political wisdom and is a sign of weakness. It can easily escalate into physical violence, intimidating voters,” the leaders cautioned.
They also warned against demagoguery, describing it as a deceptive tactic that manipulates the electorate with unrealistic promises. Such approaches, they said, treat voters as though they lack the capacity to discern falsehoods from reality.
“Demagoguery is a dangerous tool that makes empty promises, knowing they can’t be fulfilled. It treats voters like children,” the religious leaders stated.
The CoR urged politicians to avoid exploiting public fear and instead appeal to the intelligence and analytical abilities of the electorate. They noted that Mauritians have a rich cultural heritage and should be encouraged to engage critically with political matters.
“We ask politicians to refrain from using fear tactics and instead appeal to the intelligence and reflective abilities that are inherent in the culture of Mauritians,” they said.
In their statement, the religious leaders encouraged voters to hold candidates accountable by demanding clear, well-defined political programs. They emphasized the importance of focusing on substantial issues rather than superficial campaign rhetoric.
“Voters must create a climate where substantive issues are addressed. If we do not ask candidates to clarify their plans, we cannot claim to uphold the values that are crucial for our society’s progress,” they asserted.
As the election date approaches, the CoR expressed hope that the process would serve as a unifying moment for the nation. They encouraged all citizens, especially religious individuals, to contribute positively to the country’s progress through prayer and responsible participation.
“We invite all Mauritians of goodwill to pray for the elections to inspire a spirit of generosity that will propel our country forward,” they concluded
