By Daniel Clarke – Student of International Relations
Can such a thing called ¨a perfect democracy¨ exist? Or to make it more realistic towards the world of today, can a country’s system of governance be considered as an example for the world to follow? In a world where democracy is fighting for its life (taking into account the coup d’états that has occurred in Myanmar and Armenia, added with the protests that has happened in Hong Kong, Columbia, and most recently Cuba), could Costa Rica show the globe that autonomy can still be sustained albeit with imperfections? In my opinion, I believe that the country can shine in moments when the general public would only focus on the darkness that shrouds modern democracy.
Be that as it may, some may still question how Costa Rica can still be classified as a democracy, and, if so, could it be stable enough. To contest that, let us look at the overall structure of the country’s own government (which possess some similarities to democracies such as the US, Uruguay, etc.). According to CostaRica.org:¨Executive power is exercised by the president, who is both the head of state and head of government, and his cabinet. 57 Legislative Assembly deputies are used within the government system along with the President. These are elected every 4 years. The Costa Rica government is built upon the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. Each branch plays a key role in how the government functions and makes decisions that affect everyone in the country. ¨ (Bateman, 2019).
The above has shown that Costa Rica does allow its head power to be elected from the people in terms of four years (added with the fact that these leaders come from multiple electoral parties). These characteristics are no way short of belonging towards a democracy. The source mentioned above also implies that this type of democracy can withstand the test of time as well. Ever since Jose Figueres Ferrer’s influence had led the country to a progression of human rights and up until now, Costa Rica has relished a stable democracy that has had 14 presidential elections so far. To add on, Costa Ricans show no signs of abandoning their progressive legacy. In the recent presidential election, a large turnout carried Carlos Alvarado Quesada to victory with more than 60% of the vote, against an opponent who would have rolled back longstanding commitments to human rights by restricting gay marriage (Stiglitz, 2018).
Although the aforementioned may show the good that democracy has sprung upon the people of Costa Rica, some may argue the flaws that this democracy may have in times of crisis (especially during a pandemic none other than COVID-19). The opposition may show the facts of persistent inequality and the fiscal situation in the entirety of the pandemic to back up their arguments of the flaws of Costa Rican democracy. Be that as it may, the government has strived to address these problems and is committed to an inclusive society that guarantees the welfare of its people, supported by transparent and accountable public institutions (The World Bank, 2021); the CCSS & the MTSS just to name a few.
In conclusion, these are the reason why I still believe that this small yet glistening Central American country can be a beam of light that others could follow. Through its general structure, its longevity, and its people supporting its electoral system, the country is still grasping towards the ideals of democracy and has claimed it through the thick and thin. With that being said, it is still important for the people of this beloved country to make sure that all efforts to uplift democracy does not go to waste. The country should try harder to lessen the cracks of corruption that taints the name of democracy itself.
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References:
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Bateman, J. (2019, August 1). Costa Rica Government. CostaRica.Org. https://costarica.org/facts/government/
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Stiglitz, J. E. (2018, May 11). This is what Costa Rica can teach the world about democracy. World Economic Forum.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/05/how-costa-rica-gets-it-right
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The World Bank. (2021, April 6). Overview. World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/costarica/overview