Bukele Landslide Transforms El Salvador into a One-Party State, Heightening Concerns Over Democracy – Reuters

By Sarah Kinosian and Nelson Renteria

SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) – The convincing re-election of President Nayib Bukele has garnered enthusiasm among his supporters, particularly those backing his anti-gang initiatives. However, his opponents express concern that El Salvador is heading towards a one-party state.

As of Monday, the counting of votes was still unfolding, but preliminary results suggested a significant victory for Bukele, with approximately 83% of voters supporting him. He indicated that his New Ideas party was likely to secure 58 out of the 60 seats in the legislature, though only 5% of the ballots had been counted at that time.

This outcome provides Bukele with unparalleled authority within the assembly. During his previous term, he utilized his party’s supermajority to reform institutions and influence the judiciary. A ruling from the courts permitted him to run for re-election despite a constitutional prohibition on consecutive terms.

In his victory speech on Sunday night, Bukele asserted that the opposition had been "pulverized," attributing his success to the public support for his tough stance on gangs, and insisted that his win was a product of a free electoral process. "Democracy means the power of the people," he proclaimed, criticizing foreign governments, media, and human rights organizations that have sounded alarms over potential authoritarianism. He also pointed fingers at the U.S. for its historical involvement in El Salvador’s civil war from 1979 to 1992.

Bukele contended that El Salvador had "made history" by electing a single party in a "fully democratic system." Yet, many human rights advocates are apprehensive about the country’s trajectory, predicting further restrictions on civil liberties. "This concentration of power suggests there are no longer guarantees in El Salvador," stated Gabriela Santos, head of the Human Rights Institute at the University of Central America.

Bukele’s popularity highlights the challenges faced by Central American nations in establishing sustainable democratic governance following the civil conflicts involving leftist guerillas and right-wing authoritarian regimes backed by the U.S.

Many citizens appear unconcerned by Bukele’s political grip or the suspension of civil rights that has led to the detention of 76,000 individuals—often without legal due process—since the beginning of his anti-gang campaign in March 2022. Residents appreciate the reduction in gang violence that has allowed them to safely venture outside at night.

The decline in crime and emigration rates presents a complex issue for U.S. policymakers, who aim to promote democratic practices while also addressing border issues. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Bukele on his victory, while emphasizing the importance of fair trial guarantees and human rights in efforts to tackle migration causes.

Some analysts caution that the mass incarceration of 1% of the population is unsustainable; nonetheless, Bukele remains committed to his stringent approach against gangs. He has indicated an intention to focus on the sluggish economy during his second term, which is the slowest-growing in Central America and may become a significant concern for voters.

RULE FOR LIFE?

With unprecedented power and the possibility of amending El Salvador’s constitution, opponents fear Bukele may eliminate term limits in a bid for lifelong rule, akin to measures by Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega.

When questioned about potential constitutional reforms that would allow indefinite re-election, Bukele stated he "didn’t think a constitutional reform would be necessary" but did not provide a definitive response regarding a possible third term candidacy.

Legacy political parties in El Salvador face a formidable challenge in regaining public support. Current forecasts suggest their candidates will receive minimal percentages of the vote.

"What could happen to the opposition is that they disappear, because we really blindly trusted them and they did nothing while the country fell into violence," remarked Gladis Munoz, a 55-year-old secretary in the capital. "We feel deceived."

Bukele’s campaign portrayed opposition parties as complicit with gangs, a claim those parties deny. However, Bukele has successfully shaped public perception through an effective media strategy that employs paid social media activity to target journalists and critics.

In recent years, the legislative assembly has largely approved Bukele’s initiatives, with most laws originating from the presidency and opposition proposals receiving little attention.

As seen in Venezuela, the opposition in El Salvador is fragmented and lacks a coherent short-term strategy to confront Bukele. "Democratic spaces are closing in El Salvador, civil society is shrinking, and there is a palpable fear to speak out," said Claudia Ortiz, a lawmaker who has clashed with Bukele and represents the upstart Vamos party. "Everything serves one political agenda."