Oportunidades de participación étnica en América Latina - Una nueva evaluación contextual con referencia a Bolivia, Colombia y Nicaragua

Latin America is a highly topical region for the analysis of participatory tools for ethnic groups. This article examines its potential for effective inclusion of indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples. We argue that the instruments should be designed in an appropriate manner, taking into account the social context of the country. In addition, it is necessary to consider the organizational characteristics of the peoples, as well as structural constraints such as power relations. We studied Bolivia, Colombia and Nicaragua, countries that use different instruments to promote ethnic participation: prior consultation, autonomy and ethnic quotas. We showed that these instruments have positive effects, although we also detected deficits, derived from their inadequate implementation and asymmetric power relations. The study contributes to expand the growing literature on how Latin American states manage their multiethnic composition. Our results reveal the importance of looking beyond institutional renovations to promote indigenous and Afro-descendant self-determination.