Before answering the title, we should ask ourselves if there are political parties in our country with a permanent doctrine and structures, with militants convinced that their proposal is what people need for progress and living in a just and respectful society; to vote for their candidates in a disciplined manner and not to be swayed by demagoguery and indifference.

I am reluctant to write the term “political class”. It is true that we have people who take advantage of elections to come to power and when they achieve it, they rule at any cost. We had leaders who stood out for their strong personality and charisma, whose memory lasted for at least another generation. Does anyone but historians remember Galo Plaza and Carlos Guevara Moreno, polar opposites? Do you remember how many presidents completed their term? They were characters with great influence and power. Nowadays the correístas live on the charisma of their leader. They are so confident that as a sign of trust they dared to nominate a lady about whom the country knows little.

Key tasks of electoral committees

What is the ideology of the current candidates, what political doctrine do they base their government plans on? The simple idea of ​​water ecology is flowing, but there are no known plans to manage the country’s economy in the midst of a crisis that could worsen with the El Niño phenomenon. The desire for the security of the entire country due to the violence of drug dealers and the violent response to the Salvadoran-style lockdown is also known. But the financial problem is dramatic and solving it will require much more than enthusiasm and good will. Who will be the financial experts for the candidates?

Perhaps time is too short for election campaigns and government plans with credibility and certainty of implementation. Candidates must provide a clear statement of the outcome of the Yasuní consultation. How will they replace the revenues from the fiscal treasury if the alternative of non-exploitation of oil is approved? Will they keep fuel subsidies? Are they clear about the problem of more money to repair the damage caused by the heavy rains that are expected in a few months, when they take office? The tax box will be empty.

reliable data

Power is contingent. At the least expected moment, a serious problem arises that needs to be solved. Everything is urgent and everything needs money. It is forbidden to say that there is none.

Let me remind you: at the end of 1992, there was a big drought, which was reflected in the lack of hydroelectric power plants and the rationalization of electricity. Sixto Durán-Ballén’s government had to move classes and productive activities forward one hour. They called it “Sixto’s watch”. Finance did not collect taxes, and sometimes there was not even a penny in the fiscal piggy bank. Not even for the payment of salaries. But the government was to blame for everything, including the lack of rain. The crisis passed, like everything else, and the country continued to live. Contrary to César Vallejo’s poem: “But the corpse, alas! He kept dying.” We will survive despite bad governments. (OR)