The Correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA based at the city of the city of the Vatican has reported that Mauritius’ Catholic Bishop has Hailed the Electorates for “orderly” General Elections, Exemplifying “democratic maturity”. Bishop Jean Michaël Durhône of the Catholic Diocese of Port-Louis in Mauritius has hailed the reportedly peaceful November 10 general elections in the Indian Ocean Island nation.
In a message issued Tuesday, November 12, Bishop Durhône says the electorate in the country demonstrated “democratic maturity” in peacefully participating in the general elections.
On Tuesday, November 12, the Electoral Commission of Mauritius announced the final results of the general election, indicating that the opposition Alliance de Changement (ADC) candidate, Navin Ramgoolam, had won 62.6% of votes, according to a Reuters report.
The November 13 Reuters report further indicates that ADC won 60 of the 62 legislative seats, giving three-time former premier Ramgoolam a fourth term.
In the message issued November 12, Bishop Durhône congratulates the newly elected leaders who will form the upcoming government and expresses hope that they will have a positive impact on the Indian Ocean Island nation.
“The people have spoken. I want to extend my congratulations to the newly elected leaders who will form the next government,” the Local Ordinary of Port Louis says.
He notes that “the democratic process has worked, thanks to the Mauritian people, who set an example of democratic maturity by going to the polls in an orderly manner to exercise their right to vote.”
“Through their vote, Mauritians have expressed a desire to reinvigorate the effective functioning of the institutions for which the State is responsible, such as the judiciary and the police,” the Mauritian Catholic Church leader, who was consecrated Bishop of Port Louis Diocese in August 2023 says.
He goes on to thank the country’s Electoral Commission officials for overseeing peaceful polls and the law enforcement agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace amid “sometimes tense conditions”.
“I also commend the officers of the Electoral Commission and the police, who carried out their duties in sometimes tense conditions and helped maintain social peace in a context of tension,” the Catholic Bishop says.
Looking into the future, Bishop Durhône expresses the Catholic Church’s commitment to collaborating with the newly elected leaders in addressing the pressing issues the people of God in Mauritius face.
“The Catholic Church will responsibly collaborate with the elected authorities to address the major challenges facing Mauritian society, such as education, meritocracy in the workplace, the fight against poverty, drugs, and communalism,” the Catholic Church leader says.
He adds, “It is the Church’s responsibility to act, with its convictions, for the common good of all.”
“We expect the next government to restore confidence in our institutions by guaranteeing their independence,” the Catholic Bishop goes on to say, adding, “I think also of those who were not elected but who respected the verdict of the polls according to democratic principles.”
Bishop Durhône assures the new government his spiritual solidarity, saying, “On behalf of Catholics, I extend my best wishes and the assurance of my prayers to the new government.”
Meanwhile, members of the Council of Religions (CoR) in Mauritius have called for unity and responsibility, cautioning against “reprehensible acts”.
“The ballots have been cast, and the results are known. Amid the excitement, it is crucial to remain responsible and refrain from engaging in reprehensible acts,” the religious leaders say in a statement issued on November 12.
They add, “Violence brings nothing in its wake. It is not up to individuals to take justice into their own hands.”
The members of the Council of Religions in Mauritius further say, “We must move the country forward. Let us allow institutions to regain their dignity and administer justice.”
“Mauritian identity is a continuous effort, a building process. Every citizen should contribute their part and see in their neighbour a sister or brother,” CoR members say.
They add, “We are a people united in the face of adversity. Let us show ourselves to be dignified, and filled with calm, as we write a new chapter in our history. Let us continue to work toward harmony in our rich diversity.”
“Let us pray for our country,” faith-based leaders in Mauritius implore.
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