In 2010, the philosopher and former mayor of Bogotá, Antanas Mockus, conducted research for the IDB in several Latin American cities, including Quito, on coexistence and civic culture. I remember some aspects of those data that have deteriorated in these 13 years. This week new mayors and prefects begin the privilege of governing our cities and territories, something that becomes more difficult every day in a reality where political groups, regardless of their tent, have very little representation in votes where the majority voted for others.

Ever since I saw the first Mockus research data, I remember feeling that Ecuadorians should have mirrors instead of windows to be neighbors. They didn’t want foreigners around – then Colombians, today they would be Venezuelans – no rockers, no people of sexual diversity, not even people infected with HIV, etc. The percentages of intolerance towards others were very high, much higher than in other Latin American cities. Another revelation that the likable and eccentric Colombian commented on in multiple interviews and subsequent conferences was his lack of respect for the law.

Guayaquil and Quito have traffic accident rates that are double and triple those of major cities in the region. The mobility problem is one of the most pressing in our cities and is linked to a culture of impunity and contempt for the lives of private and public transport drivers. Rarely does the driver face consequences for not following the rules, nor do users claim their right to safe travel. The civic culture of “letting go”, fooling that “it won’t happen to me”… what happens so often on our roads and streets: die or become disabled. There is no mayor who is capable of reversing this daily abuse, who proposes a truly respectable municipal public transport. Disrupt the mobsters with whom, if you did not agree before the election, you will certainly be out of the municipality now, even though your main security-moving problem is that lousy service that privately favors the owners of the transport of people, as well as materials.

Will they be up to the task of showing that they can invite us to create inclusive city projects that share benefits…?

The success of the efforts in the GAD will depend on whether the elected authorities will be leaders capable of uniting the different, those who did not vote for them. To overcome the intolerance that they exploited during their political careers in parties led by aggressive characters who expect personal loyalty more than efficiency and good governance. In these first 100 days, will they be up to the task of showing that they can invite us to create projects for inclusive cities, which share benefits and access to rights, but also respect obligations and try to be responsible? until the early elections where their leaders want to get hold of power in order to, mainly, achieve impunity and business? Will the mayors and prefects be able to say NO to the interests of their parties and work for the right we have to fairer cities and territories and other things? (OR)