We cannot be mere observers of elections process - Bishop Singh Stabroek News February 13, 2000 The Catholic Church is calling on the political decision-makers in the country to ensure that the new constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all, especially the rights of the defenceless. In a message on the occasion of Guyana's Thirtieth Republic anniversary, Bishop of Georgetown, Benedict Singh, declared that the upcoming elections "are a challenge to Guyanese of all walks of life, for civic institutions, service groups, people of faith of all religious persuasions to become more fully involved in helping to ensure that the elections are truly conducted in a fair and transparent fashion. We cannot be mere observers to the process." Offering ethical principles as a guide, he said that "our constitution must provide for stability, equality before the law, and must limit arbitrary use of power....[and] must promote as its objective, governance that aims at the 'common good'. This includes fairness in the conduct of public affairs, stability, and freedom from victimisation and discrimination." Bishop Singh hopes that at the elections there will be "one clear winner: the people of Guyana, whose aspiration for democracy and stability, for prosperity and justice must come out victorious." In his message he also urged that Guyanese should "let the spirit of unity and fellowship, the celebration of common history and common purpose continue in the months following Mashramani."