Between hegemonic system and dictadura perfecta: ideas of democracy in Mexico during the transition (1968-1988)

Abstract

The extent and nature of the Mexican democratization process are subjects of debate in the literature on the topic. While some argue that electoral pressures should be the main indicator of "true democratization," there is evidence to suggest that the process can be understood in a broader sense, spanning from 1968 until the electoral defeat of the candidate from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in 2000. Based on this comprehensive view of the process, two distinct phases can be discerned: from 1968 to 1988, characterized as "informal," and from 1988 to 2000, when electoral pressures became significant enough for the issue of opening up to shift from a "whether" to a "when" question. The present project aims to analyze the concept of "democracy" present in political discussions during the first period, focusing on two fronts: the official discourse of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, primarily examined through government reports proclaimed/published by the president from the Díaz Ordaz (1964-1970) to the De la Madrid (1982-1988) administrations (inclusive), and the public discussion on the democratization process as reflected in political magazines (Plural and Cuadernos Políticos). The analysis takes into account democratic reforms implemented during the period, such as the one in 1977. (AU)