-Current situation and challenges-

Latin America is commemorating 30 years of the deepest and far reaching democratization process that has ever taken place in the region. The transition from authoritarianism and dictatorships fostered a widespread electoral euphoria which was accompanied by much looked-for and needed civil liberties and political rights. As a result democracy became the only game in town (except for Cuba). However, after three decades of, for the most part, free and fair elections unsatisfied social aspirations and needs, remain reflected in the steady levels of poverty and inequity, which exert pressure on the political systems and constitute a challenging scenario for governability and for the enjoyment of not only civil liberties and political rights, but also social, economic and cultural rights. This essay attempts to make a contribution for further analysis and reflection through a review of the current situation of Latin America, as well as citing some trends and challenges that are essential elements of said context