We know that in most Latin American countries, we still have a democratic system in its infancy.
Democracy in mourning. Our governments are still heavily directed by the Executive Branch, meaning the citizen president enjoys centralized power that allows them to manipulate the Legislative and Judicial Branches.
With a history of corrupt judges and an excessive number of legislators who are a public embarrassment due to the shameless way they abuse the privileges of their position, saying we live in a full democracy would be a great exaggeration.
That’s how we live, improving little by little.
However, the case that occurred in the recent elections in Venezuela shows us that there is still much ground to cover.
I cannot confirm that there was fraud, as I do not have the evidence in my hands, but I can see that the process has been highly suspicious because there has been no transparency from the so-called ‘competent’ authorities.
It reminds me of the presidential elections in the Dominican Republic in 1990 and 1994, where there were strong allegations of fraud. In both cases, Dr. Joaquín Balaguer ‘won.’
It is also concerning what has happened in the United States with the selection of the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, without a proper internal election process through party member votes.
Their process may meet all existing and applicable legal requirements, but it leaves much to be desired, as it is unclear whether she is the candidate the party’s base wants. If they do not take into account the opinion of their own people: Do they care about the opinion of the rest of the population?
Voter abstention is another major problem worldwide.
A significant portion of the population is completely indifferent to politics and prefers not to get involved in anything public or to vote in any electoral process.
However, this lukewarm and indifferent stance is what allows major political parties, plagued by incompetent officials and corrupt individuals, to continue directing the destinies of nations worldwide.
It is necessary to continue raising awareness about the importance of exercising our right to vote so that the people elected to various positions are truly those the people want.
In Saint Lucie County, I am concerned about some actions taken by the current sheriff, who uses county signs placed on major roads to highlight his own persona, with personalized messages such as ‘Sheriff Pearson says: respect the speed limits.’
This type of message is not common in our community. Previously, a sign like this would simply say: ‘Respect the speed limits’ without needing to reference any authority.
We could say that democracy is in mourning, as corrupt leaders have manipulated it to continue enriching themselves with state resources.
We can say that democracy is in mourning because many politicians use misinformation and lies to stay in power. But we still have time to administer first aid.
It is necessary that we participate, it is necessary that we vote.
Blessings!
By: Manuel Rosario
Industrial Engineer and Speaker
manuel.rosario.gomez@gmail.com
Image: Facebook
