La Paz, Bolivia, Jun 23, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Bishop Jesus Perez of Potosi, Bolivia, is calling on the country’s congressional representatives to shorten their terms in office in order to help bring peace and stability to the country and to facilitate early elections called for by President Eduardo Rodriguez.
The bishop made his comments while witnessing the symbolic resignations of several congressmen from the region who sent their letters of resignation to the bishop and asked that the diocese keep them on file.
“I hope other lawmakers will take the same steps,” said Bishop Perez. He added that others should “step aside” as well for the good of the country.
Despite the positive response from some representatives, the resignations are only symbolic because Bolivian law requires that vacant congressional seats be filled by a substitute or by a government-appointed replacement.