El Salvador Votes: Security vs. Democracy in Presidential and Legislative Elections
El Salvador is gearing up for a crucial election that will determine the future of the country’s security and democracy. With overwhelming approval ratings and little competition, current president Nayib Bukele is poised for a second term, despite constitutional restrictions on reelection. However, critics argue that Bukele’s actions have eroded the checks and balances within the country’s political system.
The traditional parties in El Salvador, both from the left and right, have lost credibility due to corruption and inefficiency. The conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) and leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) have seen their presidential candidates polling in the low single digits. This vacuum paved the way for Bukele’s rise to power in 2019.
Bukele, often referred to as the “world’s coolest dictator,” has gained notoriety for his tough stance on gangs, resulting in the arrest of over 1% of the country’s population. While his administration faces allegations of human rights abuses, the level of violence in El Salvador has significantly decreased. This transformation has convinced many voters, like Marleny Mena, a 55-year-old businesswoman, to overlook concerns about Bukele’s concentration of power.
Mena, who used to be a street vendor in San Salvador’s gang-controlled downtown, recalls the fear she once felt while navigating the city. The possibility of accidentally crossing into rival gang territories was a constant threat. However, since Bukele’s crackdown on gangs, that fear has dissipated. Mena believes that Bukele needs more time to continue improving the country.
In the lead-up to the election, Bukele opted for a unique campaign strategy. Instead of traditional public appearances, he flooded social media and television screens with a simple message recorded from his couch. Bukele warned that if his New Ideas party didn’t win, the progress made in the war against gangs would be jeopardized. He claimed that the opposition would free gang members and use them to regain power.
Despite his popularity at home, Bukele and his party are increasingly seen as a case study for the global rise of authoritarianism. Tyler Mattiace, an Americas researcher for Human Rights Watch, highlights a growing rejection of democratic principles and human rights among those who feel let down by these concepts.
The election in El Salvador will undoubtedly shape the country’s future. The choice between security and democracy hangs in the balance, as voters weigh the progress made under Bukele’s leadership against concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions. The outcome will not only impact El Salvador but also serve as a reflection of broader global trends in governance and populism.