The impasses of participatory democracy in leftist governments: The cases of Brazil, Chile and Venezuela

Abstract

Objective/Context: This article aims to analyze the progress made by left-wing governments, specifically the Lula da Silva government in Brazil (2003-2010), Hugo Chavez in Venezuela (1999-2013) and Michelle Bachelet in Chile (2006-2010) in the conformation of participatory democracy. Methodology: The research was oriented by a comparative analysis from two dimensions: a) correlation of political and economic forces (with partisan opposition, economic, media and church sectors) and b) political resources (from the institutional legacies, the political system, the pacts and the social support base). The analysis of the process of implementing participatory mechanisms and deepening democracy is based on three analytical axes: i) mechanisms for participation and inclusion, ii) conditions conducive to participation, and iii) citizen participation. Conclusions: The conclusions showed that Bachelet’s government (“government of continuities”) remained closer to the “democracy of balance” in which popular sovereignty is restricted to the electoral arena, while Chávez’s government (“government of ruptures”) approached more participatory democracy. However, the Lula government (“moderate government”) positioned at an intermediate point between the two cases. Originality: Most studies on left-wing governments and democracy focus on the hegemonic theory of democracy. However, this article sought to analyze left-wing governments based on the concept of participatory democracy proposed by Macpherson (1978) that includes participatory democracy as the perfection of liberal democracy.