Ecuador has a turbulent political history. Like most latin american countries, Ecuador went thorugh a period of dictators, military coup d etats, and "mysterious" disappearances of political activists, Since 1979 though, Ecuador has been a democratic state. However, they´re still working on getting it just right. In the last 11 years, Ecuador has had 8 presidents. Three times, the people have risen up to evict corrupt or unpopular leaders--the last time, a US helicpoter had to air lift the president, Lucio Gutierrez, out of his house to safety. (And Gutierrez is running for president again...) In its 180 year history, Ecuador has also gone through 20 different constitutions, the most recent of which was crafted ina 6 month spree last year.
Elections under the new Constitution are taking place this April. About two weeks ago, candidates were allowed to begin campaigning. Overnight, ads appeared as signs, billboards, flyers, and massive stickers on the sides of buses. And the propaganda techniques are flying left and right, and they´re not subtle about it either! Trucks with giant speakers drive along popular roads, blasting a candidate´s slogan. There is a person on every street corner, waving a candidate´s flag. The current president´s poster reads: "You decide between the dark past or this beautiful (picture of president) Revolution in Democracy!" The competing cadidates for mayor of Quito have chosen competing colors: Neon green and--no joke--hot pink (Vote for Richard!). One person running for Congress is even using the Batman symbol as part of his campaign.
The main problem, as far as I can tell, is that not a single candidate for any position has put forth an explanation of their plan or ideals. It´s JUST propaganda. And unlike in the US, in Ecuador, there are about 16 different political parties, all of equal strength (weak). S on what basis do people vote? A slogan? A beautiful face? Hot pink banners? Spin the wheel and pick a party? Voting is obligatory for everyone over age 18, so you have to pick somebody!
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20 constitutions! That's crazy! I thought you just modified the old constitution. I don't think you have to worry about voting, unless they allow people who are not citizens of Ecuador vote.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting account--makes us appreciate our system, which looks pretty dysfunctional sometimes too
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