Renowned social and political analysts highlight that El Salvador should persist in its path of public security strategy, anti-corruption efforts, state restructuring, and the steadfast implementation of its national plan. These combined efforts are aimed at propelling the nation forward socially and economically, positioning it as a global reference point.
Sociologist and political analyst René Martínez envisions a prosperous future for El Salvador should a presidential reelection occur. “The primary advantage lies in the consolidation of a new democratic political logic, leading to the country’s reinvention,” says Martínez, a seasoned sociology professional.
Martínez contends that the country’s prosperity and socio-economic development must continue, especially benefiting those who were marginalized and excluded over three decades under previous administrations.
“In terms of political logic, presidential reelection allows for the continuity of a national plan that the same president can carry forward,” explains Martínez. He argues that reelection would further enable the president to “bring to a close the battle against gangs, sustain the fight against corruption, and continue the process of national reinvention.”
Martínez also asserts that a second term would empower the government to deploy all available political, social, and economic tools to address the root cause of many issues: social inequality.
On the other hand, political analyst and sociologist Mauricio Rodríguez laments the historical lack of policy continuity in El Salvador, where administrations change and their visions depart with them.
“From my perspective, reelection addresses the second concern expressed by the population in surveys, which is the economy. It ensures the sustained positive results in public security and the ongoing battle against corruption,” says Rodríguez. He adds, “It could be the antidote to the underdevelopment to which we were subjected as a colonialist strategy… Reelection could pull us out of the darkness that has overshadowed us.”
Meanwhile, political analyst and Doctor of Political Science Óscar Martínez suggests that reelection would “put an end to the war on terrorism, as the person who initiated it is the most fitting to conclude it.”
Martínez also underscores that the continuity of the head of state would “maintain the momentum against corruption,” which has already led to the seizure of assets worth $85 million from former ARENA party President Alfredo Félix Cristiani Burkard.
“Another benefit is the continuation of state modernization within the framework of its reestablishment. Furthermore, the existing security conditions create the potential for exemplary economic growth in Central and Latin America,” predicts Martínez.
The implementation of the Territorial Control Plan (TCP) and the enforcement of exceptional measures have significantly decreased homicides, reclaimed territories, resulted in the apprehension of over 71,000 gang members, and dealt a severe blow to organized and common crime.
In September 2021, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) legalized immediate presidential reelection through its verdict 1-2021. Nonetheless, the final verdict rests with the citizens when they cast their votes.
El Salvador is set to hold general elections next year, with over 5 million voters selecting the president, legislators, municipal governments, and representatives for the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN).
Constitutional judges assert in their ruling that there has always been a “misinterpretation” regarding the issue of a second presidential term, which is indeed permissible according to the current 1983 Constitution.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), through four of its five magistrates, has consistently pledged to adhere to the Constitutional Chamber’s decision. The Salvadoran electorate holds the destiny of the nation in their hands as they make their choice in the upcoming elections.