That's why the idea of doing referendums, plebiscites, or popular consultations should be limited. Although it doesn't seem it at first glance, these mechanisms end up being antidemocratic. Nevertheless, the popularity of these ideas makes it difficult to be opposed to them, because it's politically incorrect. And that's how, thanks to political correctness, democracies wind up in the hands of demagogues and populists, who don't wait long before showing their true face: authoritarianism.At first glance, this would seem to contradict the points made by Leo Zuckermann about the electoral reform limiting society's participation in governance, but I think actually they go hand in hand. A certain segment of the political class likes to hear the voice of the people, but only insofar as they can control it; that's why the PRD is in favor of a DF referendum on the oil reform, because they can be assured of it coming out in their favor. But as far as allowing the unchecked broadcast of citizens' comments and complaints about the party's public officials, the PRD has the same response as the PRI and the PAN: no, thanks.
In addition, there's a clear difference between citizens commenting on public officials, and the populace making decisions in place of the government doing so. The first is essential to representative democracy, the second violates it.
No comments:
Post a Comment