A new poll revealed that 63% of Colombians don’t remember who they voted for in congressional elections.
The poll, administered by the Restrepo Barco Foundation, gauged peoples feelings about their government. According to the study, Colombians are growing increasingly distrustful of the government, their neighbors and the media.
The poll also revealed an increase in citizens’ perception of corruption. Senator John Sudarsky, who helped construct the study, said the results are an opportunity to mobilize society.
Sudarsky sees social participation as the key to changing peoples’ views of the government, and suggested a “participatory budget” that would involve citizens in the governing process.
“Thus the people collectively become aware of what resources are available, how to prioritize spending and exercise supervision over the investment of the budget,” Sudarsky said.
The senator cited Barranquilla and Medellin as prime examples of cities where citizens have become more involved in civic life, seeing confidence rates in local government improve dramatically.
