Luis Almagrosecretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS)is in the country, where he has addressed the challenges faced by defenders of democracy in Latin Americaaffected by problems, such as organized crime and misinformation.
Specifically, he warned that these evils have manifested themselves in attacks against the judiciary, the electoral system and freedom of expression.
During the opening conference of the international congress “Democracy in Latin America”, organized by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), warned: “The threats to democracy must be faced by the different actors firmly, because it cannot be an instrument to harm.”
In a 20-minute lecture, witnessed by Luis Abinaderpresident of the Republic, and the judges of the TSE, headed by YGnacio Pascual Camacho Hidalgothe former Uruguayan foreign minister emphasized that the violence generated by organized crime within the political system must be neutralized, since it leads to murders and the expatriation of opposition leaders.
“Intimidation and fear should have no place in our societies,” he stressed.
He considered that these evils must be eradicated with education and the strengthening of institutions.
Almagro also warned about a trend in the region that seeks to generate social, legal and economic uncertainty with the aim of undermining the rule of law. He emphasized that no political system should be brought to “cannibalism“.
Fake news
Another challenge mentioned by the secretary of the OAS is the fight against disinformation, fueled by information technology artificial intelligence (AI). This problem, he said, “blurs the line that separates truth from lies,” which affects dialogue in societies, as they are not properly informed.
He recognized that the advance of the AI represents a challengesince, although it offers solutions, it also presents risks, such as the creation of disinformation campaigns to manipulate the will of the electorate. He stressed that its regulation must be a priority on political agendas.
Regarding this aspect, Almagrowho praised the democracy of the Dominican Republicrecalled that, together with the TSE and the Central Electoral Board (JCE)the OAS organized a workshop to combat disinformation during the last elections.
Inclusion
He also advocated for inclusion in institutions and regretted that there are still entities incapable of offering effective solutions against poverty and inequality. He noted that this situation has led to Latin America remains the most unequal region in the world.
He applauded the work of the OAS in the Dominican Republicwhich was the first country to receive the high-level group to strengthen the role of women in politics, as part of a project promoted by the TSE with a gender perspective.
Likewise, a workshop was organized with the electoral observer mission, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Almagro maintained that it is necessary to combat circles of poverty and promote public services, which, in his opinion, are a fundamental pillar of democracy.
During this Thursday and today Friday, at the international conference “Democracy in Latin America”, speakers from Uruguay, Spain and the Dominican Republic will discuss the strategies, challenges and advances of democracy in the countries of the area, with a view to strengthening the inclusive participation of citizenship, indicated Judge Ygnacio Camacho Hidalgo, president of the TSE. At the beginning of the event, he highlighted that democracy in the Dominican Republic has been strengthened for decades, which has promoted economic and social development.
