The Church called to reject hatred and vote with hope this April 13

Just days before the second round of elections in Ecuador, the Conferencia Episcopal Ecuatoriana (CEE) called on citizens to exercise their right to vote with hope and without falling into hate speech. The call was released this Monday, April 7, through an official statement signed by the country's bishops.

The Church expressed its concern about the current social and political situation, marked by poverty, corruption, impunity, and growing violence. According to the statement, these evils are driven by mafias and criminal organizations that threaten national peace.

"It is our opportunity as citizens to write a new history for Ecuador with our vote," the text states. The bishops requested that the day of April 13, which coincides with Palm Sunday, be a true "celebration of democracy", with clear and verified results.

Additionally, the CEE urged political and social leaders to set aside confrontation and focus on public policies that prioritize employment, health, education, and the defense of life and family. It emphasized that the use of power should not serve to impose totalitarian views or to gain personal benefits.

"Politics is oriented toward the common good and must be based onjustice, equity, and solidarity", the statement emphasized. The Church also requested that a prayer for the country's future and its new leaders be included in all Palm Sunday masses.

Finally, the Conferencia Episcopal closed its message with a direct invitation: "Let's vote with hope, look forward, and thus express our commitment to a better Ecuador in freedom and democracy."