Participation and Representation: Divergent or Complementary Forms of Inclusion? Evidence from the New Andean Constitutions (Draft)

This paper examines the outcomes of democratic constitution-making with respect to addressing or solving the problems, flaws, and shortcomings of democracy in the Andean region, with particular reference to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Specifically, the paper explores whether, and to what extent, new constitutions provide for greater political inclusion (or representation) of formerly excluded social and political actors, concluding that while some progress was made in incorporating these sectors, little was accomplished in reducing the deeply-felt crisis of representation in these countries. The article argues that the reason for this was the focus on participatory, rather than representative democracy.
Keywords: Constitution-making Body/Constitution-making Bodies, Constituent Assembly, National Convention, Participation/Engagement, Inclusiveness/Inclusivity, Representation, Marginalized, Indigenous Peoples, Minority/Minorities, Electoral System, Political Party/Political Parties, Democracy. Copyright.