April 23, 2003

BUENOS AIRES - Ten Argentina Evangelical Churches called on citizens to vote next Sunday in presidential elections with common good in mind as opposed to just individual or sector interests.

On April 27 25 million Argentines will elect President Eduardo Duhalde's successor from 19 candidates.

Duhalde was named by Congress in December 2001 to replace Fernando de la Rua, who resigned when he was unable to face Argentina's social and economic crisis. Duhalde was to complete de la Rua's mandate, which was up in December 2003, but decided to hold presidential elections early.

Evangelical Churches invite citizens to vote thinking about both the immediate and long term common good so that present and future generations can life with dignity and happiness.

They warn that some people will not vote because they believe that the electoral system and the behavior of many party leaders do not provide sufficient guarantees to ensure that the results will be peacefully accepted.

Others may decide not to vote because they believe that the people and proposals are not capable to carrying out the profound changes the country needs.

However, according to the Evangelicals these elections continue to be an opportunity to elect a government and to bring about change, even though the possibilities may be limited.

Evangelical Church members of the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) called on citizens and leaders and members of political parties, movements and social institutions in general to assume wise and non violent attitudes regarding the different options.

Finally, Churches affirm that only through the daily, honest exercise of citizenship marked by solidarity will it be possible to envision a better future. To the contrary the injustice and corruption will overthrow dignity and life that resists being annihilated.

The statement is signed by the Waldesian Evangelical Church of the River Plate, the Evangelical Methodist Church, United Lutheran, Disciples of Christ, Reform, Church of God, Evangelical Church of the River Plate, Congregational Church, the Christian Biblical Church and the Anglican Diocese of Argentina.

Among the plethora of candidates none are expected to obtain the necessary 45 percent to win in the first round of voting The two leading candidates will face each other in a run off May 18. The new president will take office May 25.

ALC News Service (Agencia Latinoamericana y Caribeqa de Comunicacisn)