In anticipation of the snap general election rescheduled on October 16, 2020, Bolivia’s bishops urge voters to focus on environmental concerns as a key issue.
The bishops representing Bolivia’s Pan-Amazonian Church Network or REPAM Chapter, issued a statement last August 25, addressed to government authorities and to voters as well. The message wants government officials to reform policies that allowed the number of forest fires in the country to greatly increase under the administration of leaders like Evo Morales.
The bishops’ message also called on Bolivians to carefully examine politicians who are in the running as the next president of Bolivia. REPAM president., Bishop Eugenio Coter said it is important for people to understand that elections cannot be about handouts and promises; but about the programs offered by candidates, particularly concerning the environment, rural development and agro-economics particularly in relation to the Amazon.
Bishop Coter, specifically called on Catholics to stay coherent with church teachings when they vote in the coming October 2020 snap elections.
Brief Background Surrounding the Forthcoming October Snap-Election
The snap election seeks to formally elect a new president to replace ousted leader Evo Morales. Although Morales was declared the winner in last year’s October presidential election, the former president had to flee the country to escape the wrath of Bolivian citizens. Morales took flight because the military and local enforcement forces later joined the protests against Morales, after the Organization of American States (OAS, released an audit report about the alleged irregularities that transpired in the 2019 election supposedly won by Morales.