SW News: As Colombia is progressing to second-round presidential run-off elections that are slated to take place on June 19, the nation’s Catholic Bishops are inviting the people to participate actively in the poll and vote diligently to save democratic institutions.

Monsignor Hector Fabio Henao Gaviria, the delegate for Church-State relations of the Episcopal Conference of Colombia (CEC), in a video message cautioned the Columbians that certain criteria must be kept in mind while selecting the new president.

The prelate people should not desist from voting as it is the means to strengthen the democracy, making it "more alive, more participatory, inclusive, truly expressing the values of civilization and citizenship". He also warned the citizens to choose wisely their candidates for the sake of the country’s future.

He concluded by warning against the usage of hateful or discriminating language in politics. In the second round, Gustavo Petro, the leftist senator has vouched for equitable pensions distribution, free public universities for students, and so on, while right-wing populist businessman Rodolfo Hernandez has vowed to combat corruption and balance deep social inequality.

The second round in June was necessary as in the first round no candidate won 50 per cent votes. In the previous round on May 29 Petro obtained 40.33 per cent votes while Hernández bagged 28.14 per cent.