In a triumphant address to the nation, President Nayib Bukele declared a historic moment for El Salvador, breaking records across all democracies worldwide after securing a resounding victory in the 2024 elections. Addressing a fervent crowd at Plaza Gerardo Barrios in the heart of San Salvador, Bukele expressed the overwhelming mandate received from the Salvadoran people.
«On this day, El Salvador has shattered all records, surpassing every democracy across the globe,» declared the re-elected president at the onset of his speech.
President Bukele emphasized the unprecedented nature of the election outcome, highlighting that it marks the first instance of a single-party system in a democratic setting. «The entire opposition, collectively, has been pulverized,» he proclaimed, underlining the extraordinary political landscape emerging in the aftermath of the elections.
Reflecting on El Salvador’s recent history, Bukele underscored the nation’s achievements, from breaking the bipartisan structure in 2019 to ending the post-war era. He credited the newfound governance to the transformative changes initiated since 2021, overcoming previous legislative challenges.
«The Salvadoran people spoke, and not only did they speak loudly and clearly, but they spoke in the most resounding manner in the history of global democracy,» Bukele asserted.
Responding to international criticisms suggesting oppression and fear within the country, President Bukele urged journalists to trust the people’s voice. He emphasized El Salvador’s status as the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, citing national and international polls and the recent election results as proof.
While expressing a desire for friendship with all nations, Bukele stressed the importance of mutual respect, asserting, «El Salvador opens its doors wide for trade with everyone, aspiring to be friends, allies, and partners, but we will not be subservient.»
In a critical reflection, Bukele questioned the effectiveness of previous constitutional court decisions and the former attorney general, challenging whether the war against gangs could have been won under their tenure. He also pointed out the lack of support from previous lawmakers for government initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of Salvadorans.
«We transformed from being literally the most insecure country globally to the safest in the Western Hemisphere. Critics said we violated human rights, but all we did was prioritize the human rights of honest citizens,» Bukele asserted, concluding his speech by promising to continue defying expectations and showcasing El Salvador as a global example.