How can we help our democracy? 2023/10/23

This question is a constant among many of the readers of this biweekly space. There are those who, when reading these articles, are distressed by the circumstances and events that occur in our country, and those who have asked me to make proposals that can help people make decisions. Mexico is on the verge of a democratic collapse, which has not happened thanks to brave Mexicans who have gone beyond what individual duty dictates. The investigation by a citizen—Guillermo Sheridan—into the plagiarism of Yasmín Esquivel's bachelor's thesis prevented the presidency of the Supreme Court of Justice from remaining in the hands of said minister. The arrival of Norma Piña to the aforementioned position prevented the SCJN from being a companion of a President who would like to have a government like in Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba. Of equal importance have been the efforts of the Inai commissioners, led by Blanca Ibarra: despite being directly attacked by AMLO, giving direct orders to hinder and eliminate said institute, they have remained firm in their vocation to provide transparency that the Executive hates so much. Let us not forget the great role played by the previous INE administration, defending democratic electoral processes against the attacks of the President, who strangled its finances and tried to carry out political and/or criminal lynchings of its members.

The future of Mexico cannot and should not be in the hands only of politicians who, regardless of their affiliation and with very few exceptions, have failed the country by seeking their personal benefit and that of their party before those of the rest of the people. Mexicans and the nation. Nor can we hold the hand of those heroes who fight against the injustice and absurdities of the current government: the true journalists, the members of NGOs, foundations and social organizations, the mothers who search for their missing children. , activists try to preserve natural resources at the cost of their own lives, the parents of Ayotzinapa students or the parents of children who are dying and suffering from not having their cancer treatments, among many others.

Given these events, the question arises about how we can influence the fundamental decisions of the country. I list some ways to help Mexicans have the true Mexico that we deserve.

1. Stay well informed. Use sources of information recognized for their reputation and track record. Do not settle for a single point of view, we must know positions that are different to understand the way of thinking of others and consolidate our own. Don't make the mistake of believing something posted on social media by people or entities you don't know. Remember, these networks were created to sell advertising, as well as market the information we provide to advertisers and other customers, including governments and political parties.

2. Contact your representatives and authorities. Senators and representatives (local and federal) are public servants and are there to represent the citizens who elected them. Anything that worries you about your street, neighborhood, municipality, city or the country, write to them on their social networks or call them at their offices. To find out who your deputy is, consult it at: https://portalciudadano.diputados.gob.mx/apuntes-esenciales/como-puedo-s...

3. Vote. Next year we will elect not only the president, but also 64 senators and 300 federal deputies (32 senators and 200 deputies are appointed by the parties), 9 governors, 31 local congresses, 1,580 city councils and 16 mayors (in CDMX). He participates in events in his community and as a poll official. He knows the candidates and their work plans, they are members of his community. Hold them accountable throughout their entire term.

4. Be part of democracy. Let us elect committed and prepared members of our communities, beyond political parties. Complaining at home or with friends is no longer enough, we need committed Mexicans and maybe you are that person. Most likely he will do better than those who preceded him.

5. Talk about politics with young people. They make up the largest percentage of the electoral roll. Tell them how we lived in the 70s and 80s; Those dark times may return.

Remember, if you don't participate, someone else will choose for you.