Political parties are fundamental components of the democratic system. Undeniable. And yet, political parties are now directly responsible for the growing disconnect between citizens and democracy as a system of representation and governance. This contradiction has become increasingly tangible in recent decades as a critical issue and part of the explanation for the rise of populist and anti-democratic options. Two fundamental elements of the democratic system have been in place since the Transition: the basic legislation on political organizations and the proportional representation electoral system. Spanish (and Catalan) regulations grant political parties exclusive power in the dual function of representing citizens and selecting candidates for positions of responsibility in various institutions. The legitimacy of proportional representation systems is more than established, but we also know that they include criteria such as "closed and blocked" lists, which limit and undermine the direct relationship between elected officials and voters. Beyond the party leaders and candidates for regional or local government, political parties are no longer able to maintain a dialogue with the citizens they theoretically represent. Does anyone know who "my representative" is? Who, beyond their immediate party and social circle, knows the members of one electoral list or another? How can we evaluate or criticize their legislative performance, or their direct contact with their electorate? The initial good intention (1978), which aimed to guarantee political pluralism and respect for minorities, has resulted in a clear disconnect between political forces and a society that has lost much of the trust and respect it should owe its representatives. The virtues of proportional representation were minimized from the outset by the definition of provincial constituencies that favored (or imposed) a two-party system considered a guarantee of stability.
In our country, therefore, the conditions exist that lead parties to increasing "organicism," that is, to self-referentiality and the predominance of small internal power struggles, quite removed from the general interest. The result: party leaderships live closed off from one another, preoccupied with polls or trying to place "their own" in some administration, company, or parliamentary seat. This is to the detriment of so many committed, dedicated, and honest members, who are also silenced by a loyalty that is as understandable as it is uncritical.
The basic contract of trust between political parties and citizens, which gives meaning to the functioning of our democratic system, has been broken. Worse: a clear distancing and an attitude of explicit rejection have been generated, gradually extending to the very concept of democracy. This is further exacerbated by the behaviors associated with corruption, which now contaminates the entire system, by cases of gender-based violence within this or that party, and by the frequent alliances between groups that contradict the will expressed by voters through their ballots. All of this contributes to the growth, and perhaps the electoral success, of new political offerings based on "anti-system" rhetoric and the promise of immediate answers to issues that democratic parties and governments seem incapable of resolving.
Why have we resigned ourselves to accepting that our electoral and party system is immutable and untouchable? Why have we been unable, despite repeated announcements from various sides, to begin a genuine reform process to agree on the essential legislative changes? Why do political parties bury their heads in the sand to avoid acknowledging the disaster this situation represents for democracy and for themselves as representatives of the system?
These questions have positive answers if we prioritize the quality of democracy we want to define us as a society. A change as simple as the direct election of mayors and regional representatives would be a first step in the right direction.
Given their inability to leave their comfortable nest, we, as civil society, demand that all political parties initiate a reform process that must result in a new democratic impetus that citizens can embrace. A profound and visible reform that restores our vibrant democracy and, at the same time, prevents the gradual demise of our beloved and indispensable political parties.
