2024-09-02 03:30:00
In Argentina we have been experiencing a deep and complex crisis of confidence for many years. Only 17% of people in our country trust the state, while the average in other countries is 47%. The consequences of this situation are obvious: the state and politics are strongly questioned and their legitimacy is threatened. This affects the democratic assessment itself: only 37% of Argentines are satisfied with the performance of their democracy, according to data from Latinobarómetro’s 2023 report.
this is a big problem. To address the structural challenges facing Argentina, we need to rebuild the bonds of trust within the leadership itself and between representatives.
Structural problems abound. Today, there is a horizontal consensus that it is necessary to stabilize the macroeconomy. There is no doubt that stability is a necessary prerequisite for development, but it is not sufficient. We also need a development strategy. Argentina hasn’t grown in more than a decade (the last record dates back to 2011). We must also reduce poverty: at least a quarter of Argentina’s population has been living beyond their means since the return of democracy. For years we have been experiencing an education crisis, with only 13% of young people completing secondary school on time. In addition, we are faced with new problems, such as the rise of organized crime. Of course, the list of such examples can go on.
17% This is the percentage of people living in the trust country of the Argentine Republic.
These problems are complex and multidimensional, which has two specific implications for strategies to address them. First, they are public issues that require national or wider political leadership, but also the intervention of many other actors. (Private sector, trade unionism, media, organized civil society, social movements, etc.). For example, it is impossible to reduce poverty if the private sector does not create jobs. Second, they are not problems that can be solved quickly: the responses outlined must be sustained over time.. Therefore, agreement in these directions is needed between the alternators of power. A multi-actor and multi-temporal response is impossible without first resolving the crisis of trust.
Today, we face a huge opportunity to move forward along this path: the National Senate is discussing a single paper ballot (BUP).. It is a tool that more faithfully reflects the preferences of voters in electing representatives.
In Argentina we are used to using party votes in national elections and several provincial elections. The responsibility for printing, distributing and keeping this instrument in voting centers rests with the political parties.
BUP guarantees access to a complete electoral program throughout the territory, as its distribution is the responsibility of the state.
This doesn’t happen to everyone: In most democracies, the state centralizes the production and distribution of votes; official voting tools bring together the entire offer. The state’s responsibility to provide votes therefore translates into uniform access to the full electoral proposal, independent of the size of the political force, the expected flow of votes, its territorial scope or organizational capabilities.
BUP has three core strengths. First, its distribution and availability at voting centers is the responsibility of the state. This guarantees a complete electoral program across the territory on Election Day. Secondly, ensure fairness. Each ballot contains the complete electoral program and is designed by the electoral body, applying the same design and presentation standards to all lists. Ultimately, it provides a better experience for voters.
“This year provides us with a unique opportunity to contribute to solving the crisis of confidence we face.”
Gala Díaz Langou, Executive Director of CIPPEC.
The BUP is already used in Argentina: it is a tool used by Argentines living abroad or deprived of their liberty, and it has also been implemented in provincial elections in Córdoba, Santa Fe and Mendoza. The experience was positive. In 2015, CIPPEC conducted a study on perceptions of the use of single ballots in Santa Fe: 9 in 10 voters rated single ballots as a good or very good voting tool. More than six in 10 voters (61%) said it was easier to vote using the BUP than using a party ticket. Only 5.5% of voters said it was easier for them to vote using a party ballot (30% said both systems were easier).
For more than a decade, CIPPEC has aimed to increase representation, encourage discussion about how our country votes, and support the adoption of BUP as a more effective, fair and transparent approach. In 2022, we engaged in a wide-ranging and rich debate that culminated in the bill to pass the national BUP passing half a vote, and it is now ready for a vote in the Senate. This is likely to happen at the next sitting of the House of Lords next Thursday.
This year offers us a unique opportunity to contribute to solving the crisis of trust we are experiencing. Promote approval of a single paper ballot and help bridge the gap that exists between representatives today. I wish we knew how to take advantage of it.
Executive Director of CIPPEC.
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