Perceptions on democracy by young university students in the capital of Guerrero state: challenges and obstacles

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the perceptions of democracy, institutional trust, and political participation among university students in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, within the context of the 2023-2024 electoral process. A quantitative approach was adopted through the application of a survey conducted with 391 students during the pre-campaign period. The study explores students’ notions, levels of interest, institutional trust, and perceptions regarding democracy, the electoral process, and the main political actors involved in the race. The results reveal a high level of familiarity with the concept of democracy, although this is accompanied by dissatisfaction with its functioning and distrust toward traditional political parties and the National Electoral Institute (INE). A positive perception of the Morena party and a growing interest in Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) were also observed. Likewise, social media platforms have become their primary sources of political information, although concerns about their reliability persist. In conclusion, the findings show that, although there is a sector of university students in Chilpancingo who are interested and informed about political issues, skepticism and detachment from the democratic system persist. These attitudes can largely be explained by a lack of trust in institutions and traditional parties, as well as by a critical perception of the effectiveness of political participation in bringing about real change.