Democracy for Dummies: The Education Deficit That Threatens Democracy in Curaçao
November 12, 2024
In a true democracy, citizens vote from a position of understanding and insight. Yet in Curaçao, a stark education gap challenges this ideal. Recent census data reveals that 60% of the population holds a low education level, and just 7% have academic degrees. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a roadblock to informed decision-making and ac-countability.
When the majority of voters lack access to higher education, voting can become more about emotion than informed choice. Candidates have little incentive to craft nuanced policies or present meaningful debates, knowing that complex issues may go unexamined by a largely under-informed electorate. The result? A democracy that underdelivers because it lacks the informed base that would demand better.
Yes, economic conditions could improve, but income alone can’t fix this knowledge gap. Democracy thrives on educated engagement, and without it, Curaçao faces a cycle of uninspired leadership and shallow policy. If democracy in Curaçao is to be more than a check-box, education must become a national priority—not just for economic development but as the cornerstone of a more robust, more resilient democracy.
Let’s face it: quality democracy requires quality education.
Miguel Goede
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