The Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Roman Catholic Church is appointed by Bishop Alleyne. The Commission contributes to the development of Guyana by promoting Justice and Peace as fundamental elements within enabling human relations, be these social, economic or political. The Commission has as its ultimate end the development of a society based on respect, equality, and dignity.
This article is one in a JPC series on elections that is being carried by the Catholic Standard. The purpose of this series is to explore the justice and peace dimensions of various electoral issues, such as forgiveness and the duty to vote. The articles relate Catholic Social Teachings and encourage reconciliation and trust in Guyana.
Comments/Feedback can be provided to: jpc.guyana@gmail.com. To access more information on the JPC, including other articles in this series, visit us at jpcgy.webs.com
Peaceful Elections
One of the primary concerns for those of us who will head to the polls on May 11 is the likelihood of post-election violence. This fear naturally arises from our past experiences. However, it is also reasonable to conclude that the repeated calls for peaceful elections, both from civil society and international agencies, will be heeded by the Guyanese electorate. After all, most of us are alert to the social and economic impact that results from violence in any form, whether pre or post elections.
In our current political environment where expectations are high and party supporters are fired up, the electorate and all other citizens are looking for leadership. More importantly they are looking for a voice of reason. Given the unique position of the Church in our society, and its ability to speak with moral authority on a range of social and political issues, leadership from the Church can become an important catalyst for promoting peace.
Role of the Church
The Catholic social teachings offer a timely reminder of the important role and responsibility of the Church in fostering peace through solidarity. The message for us in this time is clear. “We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences.” The Gospel also calls us to be peacemakers: that we live in right relationship with others, ourselves, and God. Achieving this kind of peace may not be as implausible as some would have us believe. It begins with respecting each other, and finding ways to build spaces of openness and tolerances in a pluralistic society such as ours.
The Merit of
peaceful elections
The responsibility of ensuring peaceful elections is up to all of us. We are all change leaders and can exert some amount of influence on those in our immediate social circles and peer groups. As members of the Body of Christ and as citizens we can do more to illustrate how peaceful elections will add credibility to the electoral process and to our duly elected leaders. Peaceful elections will also promote stability and this in turn can help to build investor confidence in our country. Aside from the economic arguments, we can also show that peaceful elections fit into God’s plan for us to respect the rule of law and to live peaceably with each other. Psalm 72 reminds us that living in a right relationship with others brings peace. And 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 tell us “If one member suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice.”
Mitigating Post-election
violence
Arguably there are a number of structural and individual factors that may trigger election-related violence. The space limitations of this column prevent a full ventilation of these issues. However, it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can within the ambit of the law to reduce the chances of election-related violence. This includes refraining from triumphalism and/ or damaging the flags and posters of parties contesting the elections.
\ A climate of fear can limit electoral participation for some, so avoid overly aggressive behaviour as well as any attempts at fear mongering or race baiting.
More importantly we all have to find ways to manage our expectations because there can only be one winner after the poll closes on May 11. However, as we prepare to go to the polls let us be guided by the words of the Apostle “Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
