The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, proclaimed himself the winner of the general elections held on Sunday “with more than 85% of the votes,” according to what he published on the social network democratic history of the world.
“We have won the presidency of the Republic for the second time with more than 85% of the votes,” Bukele said before hundreds of his followers in his victory speech in the Historic Center of San Salvador.
Bukele, who ran for re-election despite the fact that the Constitution prevents it, used a legal trick to run in an election in which all polls showed him as the favorite.
The preliminary scrutiny of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of El Salvador had reached 31.49% until midnight this Sunday, with which President Nayib Bukele added 1,295,888 votes.
With these results, which must be ratified in a final scrutiny with the physical records, Bukele would obtain an overwhelming advantage over his opponents.
Behind the New Ideas party (NI), the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN, left) is placed with 110,244 votes and the National Republican Alliance (Arena, right), with 96,700 votes.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Maria Torres**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. After President Nayib Bukele proclaimed himself the winner of the elections with more than 85% of the votes, what does this overwhelming victory signify for the political landscape of El Salvador?
**Maria Torres:** Thank you for having me. Bukele’s landslide victory signals not just a continuation of his presidency, but it also highlights a significant shift in voter sentiment. Despite constitutional barriers that traditionally prevent re-election, Bukele’s ability to navigate around these rules has invigorated his supporters and raised questions about democratic norms in El Salvador.
**Editor:** Given that Bukele’s New Ideas party received over 1.2 million votes while his closest opponents lagged significantly behind, what does this say about the state of opposition parties in the country?
**Maria Torres:** The disparity in votes speaks volumes about the current opposition’s effectiveness. The FMLN and Arena parties are struggling to resonate with the electorate, perhaps suggesting a desire for a strong, charismatic leader like Bukele, even if it comes at the cost of undermining democratic traditions.
**Editor:** What are your thoughts on the implications of Bukele’s re-election strategy? Is this a dangerous precedent for democracy in El Salvador and possibly in the region?
**Maria Torres:** Absolutely. Bukele’s legal maneuvering to secure a second term may set a precedent that could encourage other leaders in the region to exploit similar loopholes. This raises concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and norms that could further weaken checks and balances.
**Editor:** Lastly, how should citizens and the international community respond to these developments in El Salvador?
**Maria Torres:** Citizens should remain vigilant and engaged, advocating for democratic practices and accountability. The international community must also pay attention, supporting movements that promote democracy while being critical of actions that undermine it. This could be an opportunity for dialogue about the importance of electoral integrity across Latin America.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria. Now, we pose a question to our readers: Considering the overwhelming support for Bukele, do you believe that the end justifies the means when it comes to leadership, or should adherence to constitutional norms always take precedence? Share your thoughts below.
