Unless, fundamental institutional government structural changes take place. The problems of illegal drugs and guerrilla activities are only two of the major problems. But, perhaps Colombia's most challenging problem is its weak democracy, characterized by ineffective governmental institutions. It is a fact that all of the current conditions create substantial waste of resources, where everybody loses.
Democracy is weak in Colombia.
The Pastrana administration, just like most presidential administrations in the past Colombian history, is no a working democracy. Pastrana's administration appears to be closed to the people, it does not offer equal opportunities, nor equal access, nor equal participation. Democracy provides for participation, involvement, equal opportunities, equal access, best representation, best government administration, etc. of its people. However, it is up to the people to become vigilant, active, involved, participative, contributors, overseers, and to elect their best representatives or get rid off through elections or other speedy judicious procedures those ineffective public servants-bad apples. They must be modernized, be transparent, open to all, provide equal opportunities and equal access to all, be responsible and responsive, accountable, cost effective, structured to offer customer friendly service to its people, and run more like a successful major business enterprise.