El Salvador: News & Updates

The presidential and parliamentary elections in El Salvador are facing recount challenges due to technical issues, according to the president of the Supreme Electoral Court. Despite incumbent President Nayib Bukele's claim of victory, technical problems in the electoral authority's electronic system have halted updates, requiring a recount of almost 30% of ballots. Bukele, seeking a second term, had a significant lead with 83% of counted votes. Opposition parties, labeling the elections a "farce," dispute Bukele's self-proclamation and accuse the ruling party of unconstitutional actions. Bukele, known for his tough stance on crime, faces allegations of violating the constitution's prohibition on direct re-election. To circumvent this, he plans to take a six-month leave before the inauguration on June 1.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has declared victory in national elections, claiming over 85% of the vote and a majority in the Legislative Assembly, despite official results not being released. Preliminary data shows Bukele with 83% support. The election, held under a state of emergency due to Bukele's anti-gang measures, marks the first time El Salvador voted during such conditions since the civil war in 1992. Bukele's crackdown on gangs has led to reduced crime rates but raised concerns about human rights. The president's economic policies and strongman approach face scrutiny amid challenges, including a fragile economy and high incarceration rates. International figures, including the US Secretary of State and China's embassy, have congratulated Bukele on his apparent victory.

The man who has referred to himself as the "world's coolest dictator" appears to be strolling toward another election victory. President Nayib Bukele, a millennial who sports a trademark backward-facing baseball cap, is the odds-on favorite to win El Salvador's presidential contest on Feb. 4.

El Salvador is set to hold presidential and legislative elections amid concerns over human rights violations and a decline in the rule of law. President Bukele's actions have raised alarm, including unconstitutional re-election, concentration of power, and electoral reforms benefiting his party. The lack of checks and balances, threats to judicial independence, and changes in the voting system have fueled democratic backsliding. Concerns also surround institutional weaknesses, overseas voting clarity, and transparency issues. The international community is urged to defend democracy by supporting civic space, protecting electoral observation, restoring constitutional guarantees, and issuing recommendations to prevent abuses and ensure fair elections.

A group of fourteen Members of Congress, led by Joaquin Castro and the leaders of the Progressive Caucus, expressed significant concerns to the U.S. Department of State about democratic backsliding and human rights violations in El Salvador. They highlighted worries about the upcoming February 4th elections, where President Nayib Bukele is running for an unconstitutional repeat term. The letter emphasized the Salvadoran constitution's prohibition on consecutive presidential terms and criticized Bukele's candidacy, enabled by judges appointed by his ruling party. The Members urged Secretary Blinken to take a stronger stance, denounce human rights violations, and restrict assistance to Salvadoran security forces. They also raised concerns about radical changes to the electoral system and lack of transparency in electronic voting. Human rights organizations in the U.S. echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential impact on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in El Salvador.

In El Salvador, a significant environmental victory was achieved in 2017 when the government, influenced by local activists, banned gold and metal mining across the country. However, Pacific Rim, a multinational mining corporation, initiated an Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) case against El Salvador, a mechanism allowing corporations to sue governments for legislation impacting profits. Despite ISDS cases generally favoring corporations, El Salvador won in this instance.

The victory was attributed to the strength of Salvadorean civil society, particularly water defenders who campaigned against mining due to environmental and health concerns. Nevertheless, President Nayib Bukele, aligned with big business interests, has arrested five water defenders on dubious charges, reigniting the battle. Bukele, facing economic challenges after the crypto bubble burst, is considering overturning the mining ban, necessitating the neutralization of the water defenders' opposition.

Bukele gained popularity for addressing gang violence in the aftermath of El Salvador's civil war. However, critics argue that previous crackdowns failed to address underlying issues of poverty and structural violence. Bukele's heavy-handed approach, labeling himself "the coolest dictator in the world," has led to the criminalization of human rights activists and political opponents, including the water defenders.

Accused of being members of the FMLN and involvement in a murder during the civil war, the water defenders face unsubstantiated charges, prompting global condemnation. Experts and activists worldwide have called for dropping the case, citing political motivation, human rights violations, and threats to democracy. Local evidence suggests that farmers in mining areas are being approached for land leases, further emphasizing the conflict between local communities and multinational corporations exploiting natural resources. The situation underscores the challenges faced by campaigners globally in protecting communities from corporate exploitation amid a shifting global focus away from fossil fuels.

Over the last 12 months, there have been 1,482 ICE removal flights, mostly to Latin America and the Caribbean. Notably, there is a focus on removal flights to countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, raising concerns about the impact on individuals' rights and well-being. Three-quarters of removal flights are to those three countries. 

The lack of access to asylum at ports of entry has led to distressing situations for asylum seekers. US lawmakers are considering stricter restrictions on asylum, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. The need for improving access to asylum and addressing the challenges faced by asylum seekers, especially women and children, is crucial. 

Read the full IRTF Migrant Justice Newsletter each month at https://www.irtfcleveland.org/blog .

A Salvadoran woman, identified as Lilian, has been released from prison after more than seven years, where she was serving a 30-year sentence for having an abortion. Lilian gave birth to a baby in 2015, who suffered health complications and died three days later. El Salvador has a strict anti-abortion law with a total ban, and Lilian was accused of negligence and aggravated murder for allegedly not taking care of the fetus. Lilian, who maintained her innocence, was released based on her vulnerable situation in the hospital. The country's abortion ban, in place since 1998, does not have exemptions for cases of rape or health risks for the mother. Campaign groups continue to advocate for women's reproductive rights, emphasizing the need for justice. Despite calls for change, President Nayib Bukele has no intention of altering the current abortion law, reflecting the influence of the predominantly Roman Catholic and Evangelical population in the country.

This report explains how issuances of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are an effective tool to mitigate the effects of the multiple crises that Latin American and Caribbean countries currently face. SDRs are among the most important alternative financing mechanisms available within the international monetary system, as they can generate new resources without increasing debt levels. Untapped for decades, recent issuances in 2009 — to address the effects of the global recession — and in 2021 — to help countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic — reintroduced SDRs as a powerful instrument for addressing global emergencies. However, the scale of their impact could be much more significant.

The current context, marked by the climate crisis, economic stagnation, and rising external debt burdens, calls for a strong, coordinated, and global response by the international community. So far, however, the response has failed to meet these challenges sufficiently or adequately. Given these circumstances, a new SDR issuance becomes not only relevant but also necessary for ensuring that countries of the Global South receive the financial support required for climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to achieve further issuances of SDRs, a coordinated push by Latin American and Caribbean countries, together with other countries and organizations in the Global South, is essential.