latinobarometro - uru

ccording Latinobarometer 2013, support for democracy in Latin America dropped two points from the year 2011 (the last measurement date, as there were 2012 Report), from 58 to 56%. Latin Americans want to live in a democracy but a democracy of better quality.



By: Daniel Zovatto regional International IDEA Director for Latin America and the Caribbean



"Listen" is the title that tops the recent Report of the Latinobarometer the years 2012 and 2013 (Institution of International Advisory Board which I am a member), presented in Santiago de Chile on 1 November. To Marta Lagos, its executive director, "Citizenship in Latin America is screaming loud listen by any means, because no doubt that the political system does not seem to listen "and I add, nor adequately represent.

The statement handle Lakes located in at least two findings of the report. One, the decreased level of support for democracy. The second, low trust in institutions and the crisis of representation that accompanies it.

The support for democracy in Latin America fell 2 points for the year 2011 (the last measurement date, as there were 2012 Report), from 58 to 56%. Thus, accumulated between 2011 and 2013 a decline of 5 points. Regionally, Venezuela (87%, up 10 points), Argentina (73%, Uruguay moved to second place), and Uruguay (71%, down 4 points) topped the list. For its part, Honduras (44%), Guatemala (41%) and Mexico (37%) have the lowest three levels of support.

Data for Central America are even more negative than the regional average and show a sharp decline. Only 49% of the Central American population believes that democracy is the best form of government, 17% prefer an authoritarian government and a significant 24% are indifferent. Costa Rica (53%) remains the country with the highest support level democracy in Central America, but has lost 27 points between 1996 and 2013.

The satisfaction with democracy is maintained at the same level in 2011: 39%. Uruguay (82%), Ecuador (59%) and Nicaragua (52%) lead the table. Argentina dropped from 58 to 51%, and was relegated to fourth place. For its part, Peru (25%), Mexico (21%) and Honduras (18%) have the lowest levels of satisfaction. Costa Rica (35%, fell 9 points) occupies the eleventh place in Latin America and fifth in Central America.

The institutional weakness remains, together with the inequality and corruption , a major Achilles heels in the region prevents a democracy is better quality. The trust in the main institutions of representative democracy (parliaments and parties 29% to 24%), as in previous reports still show low levels of support, a true reflection of the serious crisis of representation that currently afflicts a large number of countries of the region.

Concentration of wealth and political power. In my opinion, the low levels of satisfaction with democracy originated in two central problems.

The first has to do with the fact that only 25% regional average (slight rise compared to 2011) considered that the distribution of wealth is fair. Three countries of ALBA, Ecuador (58%), Venezuela (43%) and Nicaragua (41%) are in first place. Meanwhile Honduras (12%), Chile and Paraguay (10% each) are located in the last three positions.

The second cause is that only 28% regional average, considered to be governed for the good of all the people. The country is better positioned Ecuador (62%) followed by Uruguay (49%) and Nicaragua (47%). In recent places are Costa Rica (17%). Honduras (9%) and Paraguay (8%).

Life satisfaction and image of progress . spite of the economic slowdown experienced by the region, Latin American feel fairly satisfied with their lives: 77% regional average (5 points above the 2011 measurement). Panama, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic with 89, 88 and 87%, respectively, top the list. Despite the significant success that registers as a country, Chile (69%) occupies the third floor location, only to Peru and Bolivia with 59 and 58%, respectively. The downturn has not dented the image of progress of the country, although it is low (37%), recorded an increase of 2% over 2011. While Ecuador and Panama occupy the top two spots (77 and 69%, respectively), Costa Rica (15%) and Honduras (just 6%) are located in the last two places.

Confidence in the President and the Government. Dominican Republic (73%), Ecuador (71%) and Uruguay (65%) took the first three places. At the other extreme, Peru (33%), Costa Rica (26%) and Honduras (20%) are in the last three positions. The figures on trust in government are similar. While Ecuador (65%), Dominican Republic (57%) and Uruguay (56%) have the highest levels, Peru, Costa Rica and Honduras, (24, 22 and 20%, respectively) are located in the bottom three places . In terms of discharge of government, Dominican Republic (74%) ranked first, while Costa Rica (only 20%, the regional average is 49% -) sits in last place.

Main problems. most serious problem in the region is the crime (24%), followed by unemployment (16%) and corruption (6%). Venezuela ranks first (47%) among the countries that consider crime as the main problem, while Nicaragua has the lowest level (2%). The major problem is corruption Costa Rica (20%), much higher crime and unemployment, while in Brazil is public health.

My opinion . While support for democracy has remained moderately high (above 55%), whereas satisfaction levels remain low but stable (below 40%). The economic slowdown seems to have not yet impacted or concerning the above variables (support and satisfaction with democracy) and on others of great importance such as satisfaction with quality of life, the image of progress and economic situation of both personal and country. But surely we will see in the next measurement reflected the negative impact on several key variables does not improve the regional economic situation.

Hence the importance of not making mistakes in diagnosis or be too complacent. Citizen protests that have been taking place in several countries in the region, are evidence that Latin Americans, despite significant progress in recent years (especially in terms of poverty reduction and the existence of a climate of public opinion advances moderately optimistic), they are demanding more of their democracies, their institutions and their governments. Is the "discontent of progress", characterized by a revolution of citizens' expectations that demand more and better democracy, modern, legitimate, effective and transparent institutions, accountability, parties and parliaments that best represent their interests, less inequality, corruption and crime , all linked to quality public services, particularly in education, health, transportation and public safety. This "new citizenship" is becoming more aware of their social rights and are more willing to claim them in various ways, not only through the traditional mechanisms of representation. In other words, Latin Americans want to live in a democracy but a democracy better quality.


http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21588886-slightly-brighter-picture-democracy-not-liberal-freedoms-listen-me

http://www.miguelcarbonell.com/artman/uploads/1/latinobarometro_2013.pdf

http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/10262