The inability to recognize mistakes is destructive in national politics. Far from taking the example of good leaders who have shown their humility and humanity by recognizing their mistakes, we see the mediocrity and arrogance of so many elected politicians or those who seek positions of power. It is paradoxical that now there is ease of access to citizens through social networks. They could use these tools to engage in political pedagogy and improve the national quality of life.

The four people on the October 15th ballot made big and frequent mistakes in many of their statements, which reveal ideas and prejudices. Trying to deny them shows that they were mistakes. Perhaps little knowledge of the workings of the Ecuadorian state leads Nobo to make proposals he cannot execute by decree: eliminate institutions like the Senescyto or create jury systems in an already disastrous justice system. Or does Abad’s sheer ignorance lead her to ignore basic women’s rights such as receiving the same pay for the same work a man does? And not to mention González, who fantasizes about returning to Venezuela, where, according to her, there is less violence and better living and survival conditions than here. Either Arauz who proposes Ecuadorians or without any shame or respect accuses those he considers enemies of Villavicenci’s killers, allegedly to harm his political organization.

Lying politicians are different, those who, for example, know that many around them have committed corrupt acts and crime, but deny it or invent cynical phrases in order not to accept that there were thieves and crooks in their governments. And politicians who do not know about the topics that were asked in the interviews. The former are dishonest politicians, the latter could be inexperienced who, by accepting their limitations, might achieve more transparent ways of doing their jobs.

(…) being exemplary and ethical requires a constant personal effort of introspection and continuous improvement…

We hear it said that the lack of teaching ethics and citizenship is the reason for the current decomposition of politics, which is another fallacy. Those who got those grades are the ones who ruled even without being able to apologize for their mistakes. Moral customs are taught at home and in school, but being exemplary and ethical requires a constant personal effort of introspection and continuous improvement that, as our history shows, is rarely seen in our politics.

The flaws of the worst politicians are revealed in their attitudes when they are found in error: the mediocrity of the one who invents – usually even more mudslinging -, the cowardice of blaming officials whose work depends on the government that failed and now accuses him, or most shamelessly who try to blame their mistakes on those who interview them, in order to further disparage the citizens. In the end they are dangerous as people because they are dishonest and even more harmful as politicians because they will have the power to affect lives, not only because of their mistakes but even worse, because of their inability to recognize them and thereby correct their course, seek help and advice from people better trained in every field. With such petty leaders, the national future remains tortuous. (OR)