DCC and DAEC Release Joint Statement Ahead of General Elections

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Once again we are preparing to exercise one of the greatest blessings we have as a free and democratic society. We speak of the right and responsibility to vote for men and women who will govern our nation for the next five years. One only has to look around the world to see how fortunate we are in Dominica to exercise this right and responsibility. We must value and preserve it with great respect and dignity.

For this reason, as religious leaders in this nation we are appealing to all Christians and all citizens of our beloved country Dominica to conduct yourselves with respect and reverence for each other at all times during the campaign that precedes General Elections.

As heads of the Christian Churches we endorse the Election Code on behalf of the Christian community in Dominica and encourage all Political Leaders to do the same on behalf of their respective parties. We pray that you, our brothers and sisters, will uphold the tenets of the Code.

We denounce any attempt for political parties and individuals to be held up for ridicule, become the objects of lies, half-truths and character assassination. It is sad when men and women in this Christian nation allow themselves to stoop to degrading levels of conduct.

We wish to remind you, brother and sisters, that, while those strategies may entertain the masses at Political Rallies, they are unchristian and should be denounced by all men and women of good will.

It is wrong to lie about anyone. It is wrong to tarnish the good name of anyone. It is wrong to rob another of his/her reputation. It is wrong to seek to control the voting choice of those in need through bribery.

We call upon the Christian community and all citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica to be mindful of your responsibility to uphold the dignity and right of all citizens to have their own political convictions, to subscribe to the political party of their choice, and to vote in good conscience for the candidate of their choice. It is their sacred right.

However, it is imperative that the candidates who present themselves for leadership be scrutinized by the electorate. Your choice, therefore, should be based on:

• Whether those candidates will work for the common good of our people;
• Whether they subscribe to the principles of democracy as enshrined in the law of the land;
• Whether they are known to be free from involvement in unethical practices that would compromise Christian (human) values and be in violation of the law of the land;
• Whether they can provide the kind of leadership that our nation needs in the twenty-first century; and
• Whether they are capable of representing the common interest.

We again emphasize that these criteria should be used for a closer scrutiny of the candidates presenting themselves for leadership in public office.

We ask God’s blessings upon all the men and women who present themselves to you for your vote at the upcoming General Elections. May God help them to present themselves to you with dignity, integrity and concern for the common good of the country. Most of all, let us work together towards a free, fair and violence free General Elections.