MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Latinamerican support for democracy weaker

Support for democracy is weaker than in 1996 in twelve Latinamerican countries, particularly in Peru, Colombia, Paraguay, Bolivia and Central America, according to the latest public opinion poll undertaken by the Chilean organization Latinobarometro for the British business magazine, The Economist.

However overall, most Latinamericans seem slightly more optimistic about the region's economy.

To the specific question if democracy is the best form of government, 32% of Paraguayans reply positively compared to 59% in 1996; similarly 40% of Peruvians against 63% nine years ago. Disenchantment with democracy has also increased in Brazil, with 37% supporting democracy compared to 50% in 1996. In Guatemala it's 32 against 50% nine years ago and in Panama 52 compared to 75%.

A slight drop was also recorded in Argentina, from 71% in 1996 to 65% currently and in Ecuador from 52 to 43%.

On the other extreme trust in democracy surged in politically divided Venezuela to 75% this year compared to 62% in 1996, and this is extensive both to President Hugo Chavez supporters and to the opposition.

Uruguay and Costa Rica continue as democracy champions with support in the range of 77 and 73 percent in 2005 compared to 80% in 1996.

Countries where trust for democracy has increased include Mexico, from 53 to 59% in 2005; Chile from 54 to 59%; El Salvador 56 to 59%.

As to satisfaction with democracy, once again Uruguay is top of the list followed by Venezuela and to certain extent Chile. However dissatisfaction is rife in Paraguay, Ecuador and Mexico. But in spite of this disparity a majority of Latinamericans support their different democracies with a clear 62% clearly rejecting any military or coup adventure. Only in Ecuador, Peru and Paraguay, 51, 49 and 31 per cent would be willing to condemn a military or authoritarian government.

The main criticism of democracy is that is does not deliver and another factor the limited trust in its institutions.

Only 26% of those interviewed trust the judicial system; 20% political parties and 25% Congress.

In Bolivia an extreme case, where people have taken to the streets forcing the ousting of two elected presidents, 11% admitted participating in the protests and 12% said they were prepared to go even further, if needed.

The poll also showed that most Latinamericans believe that free markets can help their countries develop and this is particularly strong in Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Venezuela. But Brazilians, Paraguayans, Ecuadorians and Argentines are not so convinced.

The main problems and challenges for Latinamericans are unemployment, poverty and low salaries, crime and violence, and political corruption.

Regarding United States, Central America is the most pro American area while Argentina, Uruguay and Venezuela, in that other, figure at the other end.