Various events in recent days show the weaknesses of our democratic system and the lack of attention to the need to advance their development before the public confidence in the political structure reaches a point where they begin to consider the validity of other ways of organizing society. For example, when approving a project like HidroAysén, with strong public opposition, it is necessary to determine the field of materials in popular sovereignty prevails and those where it is possible to reserve the decision to the elected authority, although this has been chosen from the promise to act in a certain direction.
Similarly, when a student movement calling for dialogue with the authority to determine reforms to higher education and the Minister replies that have to follow the opinion of those who have not been expressed, again leads to an area not clear that the possibility that the public is that, by majority, determine the actions to follow.
about it is argued that plebiscite can not be all controversial issues, but it is precisely otherwise: Every four years the people come to the polls to choose between alternatives that do not differ on substantive issues, and choosing between them there is no chance that people who hold the sovereignty of the people, expressing their opinion. , is as if the right of expression and opinion shall be suspended.
In Chile we have what is known as a representative democratic system, but this does not remove the possibility of plebiscite issues where there is a clear disagreement between the government and the governed, the governed are still those with the attribution to designate the authorities, but such can arrogate the right to deny people the right to express their will in every time.
With the development of technology, it is perfectly possible to consult regularly with people on public issues that are controversial. We just saw that in Haiti were delayed months! to decide who had won the election. In Chile it is known the same day, even before it's dark.
Another aspect that is consistent with modernity lies in the restrictions on freedom of assembly. ; No valid argument that the municipalities, which are the political, social mobilization must be authorized. You can accept that coordinate with the organizers measures to public policy, but that depends on the authorization to exercise these rights enshrined in the Constitution.
is curious as to restrict the participation of people in politics and at the same time, expresses concern about the lack of identification of people with institutions and political leadership, when it is they who should approach the people to represent their interests. That is the essence of representative democracy, but what is reminiscent of the attempt to establish the dictatorship of democracy "protected", ignoring the fact that freedom of expression and citizen participation are pillars of a truly democratic political system.
While democracy does not recognize that there are aspects that need to be improved, including of course the people have really different alternatives to choose from, there is a risk that a growing number of people begin to distrust of democracy as a system of government and you know what happens when you get to that situation.
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