THE LEGAL URGENCY OF A LAW ON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES IN BOLIVIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52428/30074320.v2i4.1441Keywords:
Law on Presidential Debates, Government Decisions, Freedom of Expression, Deliberative DemocracyAbstract
This paper addresses the need for a law on presidential debates in Bolivia, in line with its constitutional recognition as a democratic state. Despite the absence of specific regulations, it is argued, that the Bolivian state has the obligation to promote and guarantee the conditions for public debate, given the direct impact of government decisions on citizens. The paper argues that the democratic function of freedom of expression establishes it as an indispensable requirement to facilitate the personal and collective self-determination of voters in the selection of presidential candidates. Consequently, these fundamental aspects constitute the central objective of this research. Methodologically, a qualitative approach is employed, complemented by a content analysis of current regulations and a critical analysis of Professor Carlos Santiago Nino theory of deliberative democracy, applied specifically to the context of presidential debates. The research seeks to provide a legal basis for the need for legislation to regulate these spaces for the exchange of ideas, which are essential for full and informed democracy in Bolivia.
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