Religious leaders in Mauritius have called on citizens to embrace peace, integrity, and accountability as the country approaches its General Elections set for November 10. In a statement released on October 23, the Council of Religions (CoR) urged Mauritians to uphold core values rooted in the nation’s religious heritage, encouraging active participation in shaping the country’s future.
“This is a pivotal moment for our nation,” the religious leaders stated, “and the Council of Religions cannot stay silent without promoting values that form part of our religious heritage.” They emphasized the duty of every citizen to vote, stressing that civic engagement is essential.
The Council also warned of the dangers of violence and manipulative rhetoric during the election campaign. “Campaigns can easily provoke intense emotions that become hard to control,” they cautioned, adding that verbal violence can undermine political maturity, leading to physical violence and tactics that may intimidate voters.
Describing demagoguery as a “dangerous weapon,” the CoR cautioned against making unrealistic promises, which they said disrespect voters’ intelligence. They urged political leaders to avoid fear-based appeals and instead to respect Mauritians’ capacity for thoughtful analysis and reflection.
“Let us focus beyond partisan passions, keeping our sights on the future and the common good of Mauritian society,” the religious leaders concluded, emphasizing a commitment to a united, peaceful nation built on shared values.
