DILI, 01 march 2022 (TATOLI) – The Spokesperson of the Timorese Episcopal Conference (CET), Father Júlio Crispim, asks presidential candidates not to use religious symbols during the election campaign.
“The CET had already announced the ban on the use of Church symbols in the electoral campaign. All candidates are free to use whatever means or instruments they want, except religious symbols,” said Father Júlio Crispim, in Balide, Dili.
The leader stressed the impartiality of the Church during the period of presidential campaigns.
It also calls for participation in the electoral process, given the importance of voting for the population.
“All Christians have a duty to participate in the celebration of Mass and confession. However, they can also participate in the electoral campaign to listen to the political programs of presidential candidates and vote with conscience and responsibility for the good of the country and the people”, he said.
According to the document of the Technical Secretariat of the Electoral Administration, the electoral campaign for the presidential elections takes place between the 2nd and 16th of March.
The campaign period ends two days before the ballot, on 19 march.
Journalist: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora/Rafy Belo
Translator: José Belarmino de Sá
