Wow, long post - probably going to take a lot of comments, step by step.

First - Democracy. I wouldn't count a system where uninformed people are forced to vote if they want to have access to any government (starting with ID...) services at all, or pay a fine. But that's a more profound question.

Although the votes were in favor of Noboa - they were also in favor of not taking away the Diesel subsidy, because that's one of the things that he had promised. The idea of silently accepting any government decision with out resistance of any kind is quite the opposite of democracy, anyway, as the latter thrives on participation - also of any kind. Yes, there are limits that are defined in the constitution, e.g. protests and strikes are only protected by the constitution if they don't restrict the rights of others, like freedom of mobility, public service, and so on.

Subsidies - yes they have to go, I agree. But especially in a society that seems to be fundamentally corrupt, it's better to give out a general subsidy, of which a big chunk does benefit the poorest. The system that Noboa put in place gives so much opportunity for corruption, bribes, and taking advantage. I personally would love to see the subsidy being taken away and fully invested into education, but that's not going to happen.

Commensurability - I think we agree on that one. I'm actually preparing a long post about that, too :-D

Later more, gotta get to work! Thank you so much for contributing!