President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has claimed a historic reelection victory, winning over 85 percent of the votes cast. The announcement was met with fireworks and celebrations in the capital city of San Salvador. Bukele, known for his tough stance on gangs, is considered one of Latin America’s most popular leaders.
Bukele’s victory comes on the back of his successful campaign against gangs, which has led to a significant reduction in homicide rates in the country. According to the government, the fearsome gangs in El Salvador were responsible for the deaths of around 120,000 civilians over three decades. When Bukele took office in 2019, criminal groups controlled 80 percent of the country. However, under his leadership, the government has rounded up more than 75,000 gang members and saw the murder rate drop to its lowest level in three decades.
In addition to his reelection, Bukele also claimed that his Nuevas Ideas party won 58 out of 60 seats in the legislative assembly. This landslide victory gives him a strong mandate to continue his policies and reforms in the country.
Critics have raised concerns about Bukele’s human rights record and his approach to tackling gangs. Activists argue that many innocent individuals, including minors, have been caught up in the government’s efforts to combat gangs. They claim that these individuals have been subjected to inhumane conditions and even torture. Bukele defended his actions, stating that arresting all murderers was necessary to transform El Salvador from the world’s most dangerous country to the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Bukele’s candidacy itself is controversial, as it was made possible by a Supreme Court ruling that allowed him to bypass a constitutional ban on successive terms. When asked about seeking a third term, Bukele stated that he did not believe constitutional reform was necessary but did not clarify his future plans.
Despite concerns about his human rights record and concentration of power, Bukele remains popular among many Salvadorans. They credit him with bringing stability and safety to once-violent neighborhoods. However, there are worries about worsening antagonism towards critics and independent media, as well as concerns about the country’s ailing economy.
El Salvador’s economy, burdened by high public debt, will be a major challenge for Bukele’s second term. Additionally, his decision to invest taxpayer money in bitcoin has been widely seen as a failed gamble. Nearly 30 percent of Salvadorans lived in poverty in 2022, according to the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.
While voting in El Salvador is not compulsory, Bukele’s reelection victory demonstrates his continued popularity among the electorate. With a strong mandate, he has the opportunity to address the country’s challenges and implement his vision for El Salvador’s future.