The number of Salvadorans abroad who exercised their right to vote in 2019 did not exceed 9,000 votes, the highest number until then, due to the complexity of the voting system for the diaspora at that time.

“The issue of postal voting was so complex, and that same complexity of the voting system led to people not going out to vote,” said Noel Orellana, magistrate of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), who is “optimistic” that in 2024 there will be a greater participation of Salvadorans residing abroad.

In his opinion, the Salvadoran diaspora will decide to participate more based on the new facilities that could be provided by the method of voting abroad approved by the Legislative Assembly.

“We are optimistic that there will be greater participation from our fellow citizens. The country is making efforts to be able to recognize that right that, at some point, due to political decisions, had not been guaranteed to them. I think it is an achievement and, more than that, it is a recognition of the contribution they have made in sustaining our economy,”, he assured.

He added that both the Central Government and the TSE and the National Registry of Natural Persons (RNPN) are making a great effort to ensure access and ease for the diaspora to cast their votes.

“I know the effort that the RNPN is making to guarantee that the largest number of people get the DUI and register to exercise that right in 2024,” he said.

Likewise, he assured that the TSE must carry out an “immense job” to guarantee all compatriots inclusive elections and a safe vote.

“Regardless of the number of people who are going to vote, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal will have to prepare a Plagel [General Elections Plan] thinking that 100% of the people who are outside are going to vote. The investment is going to be made, whether or not they attend the vote, [depends] on the massive way that would be expected », he explained.

Therefore, he urged Salvadorans in general to “value the effort that the country is making with the investment to guarantee them the right they have to elect the officials and authorities that are going to govern them.”