IRTF News

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, previously at odds with the U.S., has now garnered public support from the U.S. despite concerns over human rights and democracy. The shift in tone is seen as a strategic move, acknowledging Bukele's success in reducing gang violence and curbing migration. The U.S. emphasizes "good governance" and "fair trials" while engaging in more critical diplomacy behind closed doors. Bukele, adept at navigating the U.S.-China rivalry, uses his relationship with China as a negotiating card. The decline in migration and El Salvador's economic ties with the U.S. contribute to the diplomatic balancing act. While the U.S. pushes Bukele to ease the crackdown on gangs, China's growing influence in El Salvador adds complexity to the geopolitical landscape.

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.

The Pit-Cnt, Uruguay's labor grouping, has expressed strong opposition to the visit of General Laura Richardson, head of the US Southern Command, citing concerns about her interest in fresh water resources and the potential establishment of a military base in Uruguay. The labor union accuses the US of seeking access to the Guarani Aquifer and rare land resources, while also countering China's influence in the region. Additionally, they criticize Richardson as a representative of a country that has engaged in wars worldwide. Meanwhile, Uruguay's Defense Minister, Javier García, views Richardson's visit as an opportunity to negotiate favorable deals for the purchase of weapons, trucks, and maritime radars from the United States. Despite the labor union's objections, García sees the visit as a positive development in the deepening relations between the two countries.

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.

On January 23, Greater Cleveland Partnership got an early morning wake up call when Sam Allard of Axios Cleveland broke the story that a coalition of grassroots organizations led by Cleveland Owns, the InterReligious Task Force on Central America, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and the Greater Cleveland Housing Justice Coalition would be leading a walkout at the second annual Sustainability Summit organized by Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Medea Benjamin and Steve Ellner argue that the Trump and Biden administrations' continuation of the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine has led to disastrous consequences in Latin America. The authors highlight the failure of US policies towards Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, leading to economic sanctions, coup attempts, and a migration crisis. They propose a new approach based on Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Good Neighbor Policy" from the 1930s, emphasizing the need to end military intervention, close US military bases in the region, stop political meddling, eliminate economic blackmail, and support trade policies that benefit people and the environment. The authors also call for a humane immigration policy, recognizing Latin America's cultural contributions and addressing the root causes of migration. They argue that a New Good Neighbor Policy is essential for mutual respect, non-intervention, and cooperation in the 21st century.

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.

The Trump administration revived the Monroe Doctrine, impacting Latin American nations in favor of U.S. interests. The Biden administration continued this approach, causing a migration crisis and negatively affecting regional stability. Despite unsuccessful attempts to overthrow Venezuela's President Maduro, U.S. policies persist, supporting controversial figures. A proposed alternative is a modernized "Good Neighbor Policy," emphasizing: ending military intervention and base presence, refraining from political meddling, ceasing economic coercion, supporting fair trade policies, adopting humane immigration practices, and recognizing Latin America's cultural contributions. Such a policy shift aims to foster non-intervention, cooperation, and mutual respect in the region.

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.