religion

CEP offers opinions on security and election

The organization called for a fair presidential campaign and for restraint after the votes are cast.

NORIEL GUTIÉRREZ/LA PRENSA

agreement:After a meeting yesterday, CEP officials announced resolutions on crime, health and the upcoming presidential elections.1054036

At a meeting of the Conferencia Episcopal Panameña (CEP) yesterday, participants voted in favor of resolutions on the topics of security, health care, food production and post-election behavior.

In terms of security, the CEP declined to endorse a motion passed by other leaders within the Catholic Church that the Asamblea Nacional, and not the Consejo de Gabinete, should debate changes to the country's law enforcement arm. The CEP did, however, pass a motion stating that security issues should be discussed in a comprehensive manner and have a comprehensive vision. The resolution also called for laws to be enforced without bias or partisan attachments.

Regarding the country's health care situation, the CEP recommended that the government follow the recommendations of the Concertación Nacional, which is aimed at improving the system, particularly for the poor.

The CEP endorsed an increase in local food production, which they said would help decrease costs. At the same time, they said that the country needs to begin a culture of “austerity and solidarity.” The CEP stopped short of calling for an increase in the minimum wage, but urged the government, workers and employers to discuss the issue.

In terms of the upcoming election, the church's leaders highlighted the need to ensure that they will be conducted in a fair manner, and that the results will be accepted in a calm and orderly manner.

CEP President José Luis Lacunza said that the political campaigns should not be about buying people gifts or bags of food.

“Buying votes is immoral,” he said. “Those candidates with more resources can take advantage of those that have less.”