How refreshing is the silence of the candidates, to see the gangs taking down the posters and above all not to hear about the attacks and murders…at least for a few hours. It’s like you’re in another world. Unfortunately, the cycle of opinions, rumours, insults and attempts to gain followers by attacking the opponent on trivial topics, avoiding essential matters, begins again. Wouldn’t it be possible to hold elections in a week, 15 days at the most? We are ready… Maybe the politicians and their eventual agreements are not…

A few surprising facts happened. Debates are seen, heard, commented on, created memes and can decide elections or at least change the intention of voting.

This indicates a more demanding and less patronizing citizenry. Who takes more risks despite the fact that some put the stability of their job at stake with their possibilities and therefore remain silent so that their eyes do not hide a sudden glow when they hear comments praising their chosen one. Young people, it seems, have found a way to identify with the candidate.

It was meditated at the consultation on Yasuní and Chocó Andin; awareness of climate change and our responsibility in it has been democratically expanded. It is not only a topic for academics and environmental movements, it is also discussed by neighbors and friends.

Less powerful groups regularly support the status quo more than more powerful groups. “The people who suffer the most from a given situation are paradoxically the least likely to question, challenge or change it,” says Adam Grant in his book Originals. Because they assume that their situation is normal, that this is their turn, that it is better not to innovate too much, so as not to risk the little stability they have. It also gives a sense of something familiar, a certain security in the shifting lands of so much anxiety, it’s like relaxing in the turmoil. A lifeline that allows you to survive in uncertainty.

But the elections we have just experienced entailed taking risks after the collective shocks caused by violence shaking the pillars of democracy. But fear did not stop the flow of citizens to the polling stations.

Because we believe that things will change for the better and that we all have to get involved…

The recognition was good, simple, quick, without drama and praising the merits of the winner, by those who lost.

Now we have a break, to prepare for another election day and when voting day comes, it is as if the future of the country depends on our vote, knowing that it depends on everyone. And willing to accept the final results with enthusiasm, if they are transparent, because we respect other people’s decisions as well as our own.

Because we believe that things will change for the better and that we all have to get involved, be vigilant like when we take care of a patient in intensive care, waiting for their vital signs, their awakening. Because we will help put him on his feet. Because this earth is the place where we live, love and are loved, where its earth may cover us on the day we die. Because it is our responsibility and our pride, because a large part of it is in our blood and many of our seeds are in its grooves. Because this country makes us and we make it. (OR)