January 31, 2012: The archdiocese of India’s Goa state has urged voters to choose
only those candidates that have worked for social transformation without self interest
in assembly elections scheduled for 3rd March. Goa, which has 40 legislators,
has witnessed “all-time high” levels of corruption and wanton destruction of the environment
through mining and real estate development, according to an advisory issued by the
Goa archdiocese that was circulated among the state’s parishes ahead of elections. The
advisory also exhorted Catholic voters to examine candidates’ backgrounds on human
life and dignity, as well as their integrity, philosophy and ethical conduct, in the
light of Catholic teachings. Voters should go beyond party affiliation and self-interest,
and critically analyze politicians’ campaign rhetoric, the advisory added.