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LATINOBAROMETRO PRESENTS STUDY ON LATIN AMERICA AT OAS ROUNDTABLE

Representatives of member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) examined the results of a broad public-opinion survey conducted in 2006 by the Latinobarómetro firm, which reflect the positive evolution of Latin American perceptions about democracy.

OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza noted that “the central conclusion of the poll shows that the democratic elections held in 2006 have had a positive effect on the consolidation of democracy, and the region is at a positive juncture economically and politically.”

In opening the first session in a new series of OAS Policy Roundtables, held yesterday afternoon at OAS headquarters, the Secretary General explained that “Latinobarómetro has not only earned prestige for its high-quality poll, but also recognition for the influence it has among decision-makers in the hemisphere.”

During the session, Latinobarómetro Director Marta Lagos provided a detailed analysis of the survey of opinions, attitudes, behavior and values regarding the situation in Latin American countries. “Latin America appears as a continent of hope—hope because it does not have wars, because it does not have nuclear conflicts, because it has the planet’s most important water reserves, and especially because it does not have major ethnic or religious conflicts as in other parts of the world,” Lagos said. In 2006, she added, new positive tendencies began to “flourish,” pointing to “a new period in the region.”

The survey, carried out among more than 20,000 people in 18 Latin American countries, shows that after four consecutive years of sustained economic growth, citizens in general feel more optimistic about their future. It indicates that the people of the region believe democracy is the best system of government. According to the report, which was done under the auspices of the OAS, 74 percent of citizens are in favor of the democratic system in their countries.

The founder of Latinobarómetro explained that the firm’s regular survey of the region began in eight countries in 1995, expanding to 17 countries in 1996 and 18 in 2004. It covers issues related to democracy, confidence, economy, elections and their impact on political culture, government, social and political actors, and the image of leaders. Lagos noted, however, that it is also necessary to look at every country individually, since each has its own realities.

On a regional level, she said, “positive economic expectations are advancing development in a more accelerated manner, placing pressure on the governments.” One significant problem, she said, is that as concern about unemployment decreases, concerns about crime and delinquency are on the rise.

The President of Latinobarómetro, Juan Gabriel Valdés, said the most important development in the region in recent years has been the rise of “an autonomous, reflective and critical citizen, capable of making independent decisions in electoral processes that are designed to be free and participative.”

For his part, the Director of the OAS Department of Democratic Sustainability and Special Missions, Victor Rico, stressed that “the panorama presented by Marta Lagos invites us to be optimistic.” Referring to the high level of participation in recent elections in Latin America, he said that “the information gathered encourages us to be optimistic because after more than 25 years of democracy in many countries of the region, a level of participation of this nature shows that the region’s citizens believe that they will be capable of strengthening and consolidating democracy and even changing things.”

Rico warned, however, that despite this positive outlook, the hemisphere still faces many challenges, including the concentration of wealth and power, as well as the lack of effectiveness seen in certain public institutions.

Session moderator Irene Klinger, Director of the OAS Department of External Relations, said that the document studied presents clear challenges for the work of the hemispheric organization in its efforts to contribute to “the strengthening, efficiency and transparency of our systems of government, as mandated by the Inter-American Democratic Charter.”

The new series of OAS Policy Roundtables seeks to enrich the hemispheric agenda by bringing together political analysts and the diplomatic community to discuss key issues affecting the region. Six such events are planned for this year.

Reference: E-029/07