South America’s electoral future, nationally and regionally, depends on how it handles the impact of COVID-19 on its political landscape.
South America articles on Democracy Chronicles
News about the struggle for better democracy across North and South America (not including the United States) in this highly diverse and quickly changing region. Also see our World Democracy section or our articles on Central America or on giants Brazil and Mexico.
A Critique Of Chile’s New Constitution
Chile’s democratic re-engineering can create a regional model of social democracy, but the mechanism is fraught with dangers.
Chile Votes To Begin Rewrite Dictatorship-Era Constitution
Chileans voted Sunday to select some 155 persons tasked with the long overdue rewriting of the dictatorship-era constitution.
Worry Over Safety Of Press Covering Colombia Demonstrations
Protests in Colombia started April 28, 2021, over a tax reform. As they persist, security forces have resorted to violent repression.
Bolsonaro Says Brazil Military Can Take The Streets
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said if he orders the military to take to the streets to restore order, “the order will be followed.”
Peru And Ecuador: Elections And Democracy In The Andes
In the face of pandemic-related hardships and controversies, electoral results in Peru and Ecuador act as a litmus test for regional politics.
Latin America’s Surprisingly Resilient Democracies
Latin America is now more often seen as a cautionary tale, a blinking red light warning us about the fragility of new democratic institutions.
Colombian Journalist Convicted After Exposing Corruption
Colombia’s Supreme Court has upheld a defamation conviction against journalist Vicky Dávila Hoyos and the media outlet RCN.
Chilean Senate To Vote On Postponing Upcoming Elections
On Easter Sunday, April 4, Chile’s Senate will hold special session to vote on reform that will postpone upcoming general elections.
Pelé’ Documentary Kicks Up Questions On Democracy In Brazil
A recent Netflix documentary examines football legend Pelé’s rise to fame but fails to address deeper questions of race and class.