Political legitimacy and accountability in Latin America

Political institutions in Costa Rica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic are facing challenges related to legitimacy, ideological consistency, and accountability.

In Costa Rica, concerns have emerged regarding the devaluation of democracy due to a lack of permanent, idea-driven political parties, with the system relying on short-term electoral vehicles. Additionally, there are observations that political affinity may be overriding demands for ethical standards, as supporters sometimes excuse current misconduct by comparing it to the corruption of previous administrations.

In Mexico, traditional opposition parties like the PRI, PAN, and PRD are experiencing crises of leadership and diminishing influence, characterized by a shift toward pragmatism over ideological conviction.

In the Dominican Republic, scrutiny has turned toward the ‘mano dura’ approach to crime. Reports indicate disparities in how justice is applied, with a heavy focus on street-level offenses by marginalized groups while large-scale institutional corruption and high-profile financial scandals face different legal consequences.