When democracy moves from paper to reality, it relies on the proper functioning of institutions, political actors' capacity for understanding and a social environment in which citizens can freely express themselves. It is a concept that is continually being enriched. The classic thesis of democracy as a political and legal system founded on popular will has been broadened by the current globalization process, which has added elements of social, economic and political interaction.
Democracy now refers to a complete, complex way of life.
In this process of enrichment of democracy, it is only natural that Andean countries would conceive of it as a good to be aspired to in concrete way while the United Nations would view democracy in terms of the system's human rights conditions and guarantees for respecting and exercising all human rights. Generally speaking, Andean countries hold periodic elections and have formally democratic institutions and political stability. However, they offer few organized channels for participation. The approximation to the political context of Andean countries, based on the information gathered and systematized during the year, permits an overview of the status of democracy in the region. This report places special emphasis on evaluating the full exercise of human rights and the efficient functioning of public institutions, constitutional courts, public ombudsmen's offices and the justice system.