Beyond the ballot box, the true essence of democracy

Milton N Gutiérrez Charris

Instructional Coach 

In connection with the election of the Student Person of the Altamira International School and the elections that we will have in October of this year it is appropriate to make the reflection on What is the true essence of democracy?

Democracy is defined as the government of the people and its maximum expression is when they put roles in a box and in the end they are counted to choose a ruler. To tell the truth, democracy cannot be reduced to that. Democracy must be understood as the way in which all voices must and must be heard and taken into account no matter what if they are close or distant friends or enemies, if they are part of the majority or a minority. All these voices must be represented by a voice that channels the wishes of all who make up a community.

Democracy, in itself, is not a natural act of the human being, but a collective expression of the search for a handful of people who, having things in common, seek to be community. When one person wants to impersonate himself as the voice of all that is called fascism. When a person wants to impose his voice above that of others that is totalitarianism. When a person uses force to establish his voice as the true voice by denying the validity of other voices, that is called Dictatorship. When a person wants to pass his voice as the only and true that is called authoritarianism. But when a leader seeks the good of all voices, even those who did not choose him and who do not support him, that is called democracy.

And when the people manifest themselves in front of those who must represent their voice, it is when the old adagio beat makes sense "Vox Populi, Vox Dei" The voice of the people is the voice of God and as the majority has spoken the only way to show the power and solemnity of this decision is to buy it in the image of the most sacred God. The people, as the supreme has manifested themselves and, despite being many voices, make one in a decision, now there is someone who represents me.

Democracy, as has been highlighted above, is a complex ideal that transcends simple electoral practice. In its essence, it represents the commitment of a society to ensure that each individual has a voice in decision-making that affects their lives. This commitment is based not only on respect for majority views, but also on the protection of minority voices, as genuine democracy seeks equity and justice for all. At the heart of democracy is the notion that no individual or group should impose its will in an authoritarian manner, but that power is exercised collectively, with respect for the rights and wishes of each member of the community.

Ultimately, democracy is a reflection of the fundamental values of equality, freedom and shared responsibility. By embracing the diversity of voices and perspectives that make up a society, democracy becomes a powerful tool for building more just and equitable societies. Through the active participation of its citizens and the pursuit of common well-being, democracy not only gives a voice to the will of the people, but also allows that voice to be a beacon of hope and positive change in the world. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, it is a system "of the people, for the people and for the people," and its validity and success depend on our constant commitment to its principles and values.