Six months after the general elections, again, everything goes through unity in the opposition field. With surveys announcing the end of the change process cycle and the majority predisposition of the electorate to open a new stage in the country, in a context of multiple crisis, the need for a broad base alternative is palpable. The fragility of the electoral system, the fracture of the parties and the lack of clear leadership, demand the articulation of a joint candidacy of the opposition block. On this lane, this week I adhered to the letter our proposal for a unitary democratic alternative aimed at opposition leaders.
The letter signed by more than 130 citizens of different political origins and traditions, seeks assuming that we are facing a crucial choice. Therefore, in addition to being proactive, it expresses our concern for the unknowns that are not yet clarified. The challenge is capital, first consolidate the unit, and then transform it into an alternative of change.
After two months of the opposition pact, known on December 14, 2024, which clearly expresses two commitments: to have a unique candidacy and build a government program, there is no advances on these purposes, on the contrary, more and more are the Unit weakening signals. Therefore, given the possibility of reductionism to a simple procedure of election of the candidate, it is vital to clarify the meaning and purpose of the unit. While the idea that it was not possible to evict the most at the polls, despite its internal collapse and the hard heritage in ruins, should be eroded, it should be assumed that moreism is not defeated.
We understand that the construction of a democratic alternative is to add, or rather, unite the forces of political groups and civil society organizations, have suitable and transparent procedures to choose the candidates, a minimum program that expresses common values and proposes Solutions to economic, social, institutional, political and environmental crises, in addition to coordination to conduct a common project. In short, the unit to connect with citizens require content, organization, proposal, method and renewal.
Without a road map is difficult to get to fruition. Primary without credible arbitrator run the risk of diluting in reproaches and blame, because the candidates should not make a judge and part. Particularly I believe that the spinal issue lies here to understand the true scope of the unit proposed by the opponents. The greatest unknown that must be cleared as soon as possible is to know if the unit is simply to choose a candidate or to build a common project. The unit is not the same as a procedure to choose only the presidential candidate, than the unit to represent a common project. The second is hopeful, the other would be disappointing. So far it is not clear.
After four elections in which opposition projects did not transcend more than one legislature, the self -correction of errors is essential not to fall in weak, ephemeral and personalist projects.
Additionally, I think the change is underway, people will vote in August, but the actions count from now on. Democracies do not change or reset themselves, there must be will, therefore, it is incomprehensible that the opposition unit does not propose a joint proposal to safeguard the elections at the summit called by the electoral body. Without falling into the usual tremendism that evokes the last chance, assuming that the elections enjoy guarantees would be an unacceptable equivocal. Admitting reality, it is imperative to demand that the authorities inexcusable compliance with the principle of preclusion and organize the greatest deployment for electoral control.
The unit must be to look at the future without suppressing other alternative spaces or ideas that arise from the sense of democracy, the diversity of opinions. It must have the ability to reorient the public debate in the priorities of the people and offer a realistic and assimilable program in the different territories of the country. The chosen candidate must represent the illusion of change in the face of existential speeches to avoid greater evil, because the challenge is to cohesive those who have resisted the authoritarian project and extend to a relatively broad but disintegrated political center, which is where it will be defined if the unit It has a vocation of power and enough energy to assume the flag of change.
Vladimir Peña Virhuez
