In a historic election, Nayib Bukele appears poised to secure a second term as president of El Salvador, as voters overwhelmingly supported his bid for reelection. With 83% of the vote, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Bukele's victory seems to be a landslide. The election weighed heavily on the tradeoff between curtailed civil liberties and improved security, a critical issue in a country once plagued by gang violence.
Throughout his campaign, Bukele emphasized the need for continued special powers to combat the gangs, which he has enjoyed since March 2022. After casting his vote, Bukele asserted that the newly elected Legislative Assembly should extend these powers, highlighting the progress made in tackling the country's security challenges.
Speaking to thousands of supporters from the balcony of the National Palace, Bukele expressed his belief that El Salvador had made history. He cited the attention received by a small Latin American country and claimed that others feared the power of his example. Bukele declared that Salvadorans had demonstrated to the world that any problem could be solved with the necessary determination and will.
Often referring to himself as the 'world's coolest dictator,' Bukele's popularity has surged in recent years, with soaring approval ratings and limited competition during the election. Despite concerns about the erosion of checks and balances during his first term and allegations of evading a constitutional ban on reelection, Bukele has managed to maintain widespread support.
One of the key factors in Bukele's popularity has been his government's crackdown on gangs. Under a state of emergency implemented in March 2022, over 76,000 people, equivalent to more than 1% of El Salvador's population, have been arrested. While this approach has drawn criticism for alleged human rights abuses and a lack of due process, it has resulted in a significant drop in violence levels. In just a few years, El Salvador has transformed from one of the most dangerous countries in the world to a place where people feel safer to return.
Sara Leon, who fled to the United States with her daughter to escape gang violence, expressed her support for Bukele's administration. Leon highlighted the importance of the state of emergency in protecting innocent lives and enabling her to return to her homeland. Her hope is to purchase a home in El Salvador and reunite her family in a safer environment. She hailed Bukele as a genius and expressed her desire for him to remain in power, crediting him for the positive changes witnessed in the country.
Bukele's popularity has not only resonated within El Salvador but has also drawn attention from neighboring countries and beyond. He and his party are increasingly seen as a case study for the rise of authoritarianism on a global scale.
Critics argue that Bukele has taken undemocratic actions, concentrating power in his hands and exhibiting a disregard for democratic norms. Reports have emerged of his attempts to pass legislation surrounded by soldiers, undermining the constitutional court through loyalist appointments, and harassing opponents and journalists. Nonetheless, Bukele emerged on the political scene when Salvadorans were desperate for change, following decades of corruption and inefficiency from the traditional parties.
On election day, Bukele cast his vote amidst a jubilant crowd, with supporters chanting for five more years of his leadership. Known for his social media savvy, Bukele utilized digital platforms to spread his message and urge Salvadorans to vote for him, framing the opposition as a threat to national security.
Speaking with conviction about the positive changes his administration has brought to El Salvador, Bukele dismisses foreign criticism as promoting failed approaches and failing to recognize the homegrown solutions his government has implemented. With his reelection validated by the people, Bukele contends that external observers have no grounds to label his government as undemocratic.
Opposition lawmaker Claudia Ortiz, from the party VAMOS, called on voters to support candidates outside of Bukele's party in the legislative elections to uphold checks and balances. She warned against the dangers of absolute power corrupting absolutely.
However, many Salvadorans celebrating in the streets had a different perspective. Gesenia García, the owner of a sorbet shop, reflected on the transformation she witnessed in her country. Garcia, who suffered through previous administrations marred by corruption and violence, sees Bukele as the beacon of hope El Salvador desperately needed.
While concerns about democratic institutions and the concentration of power surround Bukele's presidency, his supporters argue that he has ushered in a new era of safety and prosperity for their country. As El Salvador moves forward with Bukele at the helm for another term, the hopes of his supporters remain steadfast, believing that their president will continue to steer the country in the right direction.
