The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, declared 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.
#Nayib #Bukele #proclaimed #winner #general #elections #Salvador
How does Bukele’s re-election reflect on the state of democracy in El Salvador and the public’s perception of opposition parties?
**Interview with Political Analyst Maria Gonzalez on Nayib Bukele’s Re-election Victory**
**Host:** Welcome, Maria, and thank you for joining us to discuss the recent election results in El Salvador. President Nayib Bukele has claimed a stunning victory with over 85% of the votes. How significant is this outcome for his administration and for the country’s political landscape?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Bukele’s victory is indeed remarkable, not just in terms of the percentage of votes, but also because it underscores his continued popularity amidst a backdrop of serious political challenges. However, it’s important to remember that he opted to run for re-election despite constitutional barriers against it, which raises questions about the state of democracy in El Salvador.
**Host:** That’s a crucial point. Bukele used a legal loophole to position himself for this election. How do you interpret this maneuver in relation to international democratic standards?
**Maria Gonzalez:** It’s certainly a contentious issue. While some supporters argue that his policies have brought stability and progress, critics view his actions as undermining the democratic framework. This legal trickery can be seen as a trend towards authoritarianism. It poses a dilemma: are measures justified when they result in popular support, or do they harm the fundamentals of democracy in the long run?
**Host:** It seems there’s a division in public perception. Given the opposition parties, like the FMLN and Arena, received significantly fewer votes, what do you think this means for dissenting voices in El Salvador?
**Maria Gonzalez:** The diminished vote for opposition parties highlights a consolidation of power within Bukele’s party, New Ideas. However, it may also indicate a lack of confidence among voters in the alternatives presented by the opposition. The real challenge lies ahead for them—they need to unite and offer viable alternatives that resonate with the public’s needs. Otherwise, political discourse may stagnate, which could be detrimental to any checks and balances in governance.
**Host:** There’s certainly a lot to unpack here. As we look ahead, how might this election outcome impact international relations, particularly with countries that support democratic governance?
**Maria Gonzalez:** That’s another vital aspect. Bukele’s leadership style and his legal maneuvers may attract scrutiny from international observers and potential sanctions from nations that prioritize democratic values. Yet, he also enjoys a significant level of popular support, which complicates foreign interventions. The international community will need to carefully navigate its responses, balancing concerns about democracy with the pragmatic realities of the current situation in El Salvador.
**Host:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights. Before we close, I’d like to pose a question to our readers: Given the circumstances surrounding Bukele’s re-election, do you believe that the ends justify the means in political leadership, or is the integrity of democratic processes non-negotiable? Join the conversation in the comments below!