This has led people to think that democracy can be consolidated simply by making progress in the right to vote. The task is much more complicated and far-reaching than that. The transition from a formal democracy to a real one demands solid democratic institutions, which much of Latin America does not have. We need political institutions for true democracy, not just for formal democracy. Human rights, not just political rights, are a major challenge.
Political development is the starting point for economic and social development.
Emphasis has shifted from the economic deficits of the 1970s to concern with social deficits. Today, the problem lies with political institutions. So people have the mistaken idea that democracy consists of holding elections. So long as elections are held, they think they can sit back with folded arms. Democracy is a system that configures power relations with citizens day by day.