RETHINKING PARTIES, DEMOCRACY AND ELECTORAL REFORM: Obstacles and challenges

Resumo

This paper attempts to elucidate the various concepts of democracy, political party and participation, observing its major obstacles faced in actuality, demonstrating the nature and complexity of the theoretical discussion. Focused on seminal and contemporary studies that scrutinize the sustenance of democracy and political institutions, it points out how the long distance between ideals and the obstacles of praxis hinders the process of consolidating these institutions. In conclusion, it emphasises that the task of consolidating democratic model requires a set institutional adjustments, amendments, reforms and the incorporation of information technology advancements that must be studied, prepared and slowly applied in order to achieve proper democratic consolidation.