Interculturalidad para salir del hoyo

The comments from viewers of the program “Encounter with Science” were marked by strong political, electoral, institutional, and cultural concerns. Several participants greeted Dr. Modesto Montoya and thanked him for the program, highlighting the importance of maintaining spaces for critical analysis of the national situation. One of the central themes was the country's electoral situation. Some viewers expressed distrust of the electoral process, pointing to alleged irregularities, changes in regulations during the election, complaints related to the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE), and recent events such as the resignation of an official and the burning of a truck involved in the transport of electoral materials. These comments reflected a perception of a crisis of legitimacy and a loss of confidence in the electoral bodies. There was also severe criticism of Peruvian democracy. It was asserted that voting every five years is not enough to speak of a true democracy, and that in Peru, political decisions are concentrated in the hands of powerful groups. Some comments blamed Fujimorism, Congress, and certain sectors in Lima for the current political situation. There was also discontent expressed regarding the distance between Lima and the rest of the country, suggesting that the capital neither recognizes nor adequately understands the demands of the regions. Another important theme was the criticism of Latin American political leadership. Some supporters pointed out that many of the region's leaders act criminally or respond to private interests rather than the well-being of citizens. There were also critical comments directed at left-wing sectors, accusing them of political inconsistency for ultimately recognizing figures they had previously questioned. At the university level, the situation of the National University of Engineering (UNI) was addressed. One supporter argued that UNI's rectors should be graduates of the university itself, and that this requirement should be extended to other universities. Recent scandals at the institution were also lamented, with supporters stating that such situations had never been seen before at their "beloved alma mater." The need for citizen oversight, marches, and public demands for national education to be managed with logic, consistency, and responsibility was raised. The topic of Peruvians voting abroad also arose. Some participants interpreted this vote as being influenced by the search for stability and by the discourse of the Peruvian press, which was criticized as biased or manipulative. It was also pointed out that the migrant population does not necessarily think the same way as the affluent sectors of Lima, which prompted reflection on the country's social and political diversity. Finally, there were cultural contributions related to "El Cóndor Pasa." It was noted that the work was composed by Daniel Alomía Robles, born in Huánuco, and that it achieved widespread international acclaim, especially through American musicians. This part of the discussion showed how, alongside political debate, supporters also invoke Peruvian cultural references as part of the national conversation. Overall, the contributions expressed distrust of electoral institutions, criticism of Lima's centralism, concern for democracy, defense of public universities, and appreciation for Peruvian culture. The general tone was one of indignation, citizen vigilance, and demands for profound changes in the country's political and institutional life.