The Ideal Concept of Democracy
By: Silvana Valdivieso Reyes 10A
When the human species found the first society, the form of government that ruled then was the law of who is stronger. Nowadays, one of the most popular ones around the countries in the world is democracy. In this form of government, the people are the ones who have the authority to choose the legislators which will govern. Democracy also has other cornerstones that include freedom of assembly and speech, inclusiveness and equality, membership, consent, voting, right to live and minority rights. These all sound so cool, right?
However, as we know, our country which states to be a democratical state in the first article of the 1991 Constitution isn't always like this. From the everyday murders of social leaders to the corruption all around the country, it seems like we are not the democratic state that we say we are. As Colombians we need to search for solutions instead of just complaining about it, that’s why I think some of the following reforms could help to make a better country using the initial (ideal) form of democracy.
Assertive voting: All the citizens should have the opportunity to vote and to be well informed about who they are voting for. Each vote should be counted as equal, letting the people truly decide for themselves based on their perception on what’s best for the nation and the possible consequences that electing a certain candidate can bring.
Effective participation: Colombians should educate themselves on posible policies that can be adopted in the country, so that in this way we can really have an opportunity to make our views known to the representatives we chose. Make our voices be heard.
Inclusion: All the members of society should be listened to and have the same opportunities no matter their economic state, sexual orientation, health disabilities, religious beliefs, anything.
Primarize human rights: Humans formed societies in first place to ensure that their basic rights will not be violated. To live, to receive education, to have freedom of speech, dignity, peace, equality, justice; all of these should be prioritized. If only one is violated, the state should immediately act on behalf of them.
I can continue and continue on how to make our society seem more like an utopia than a dystopia. The true point is that democracy is way more than just a set of political and organization processes for a country. Colombia still has a lot of work to do in terms of basically all, but the recognition that an improvement is needed is a good step to start. Now, it is important that we take our desires to make this a better country into actions. Someday we will be better.
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