El Salvador recently witnessed the successful conclusion of municipal and PARLACEN elections, marking a significant moment for the country’s democratic process. President Nayib Bukele, addressed the outcome through a statement on his X account, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to democracy.
“In El Salvador, we live in a democracy, and the people’s decision is respected,” President Bukele declared in a post.
The electoral process was notably free of irregularities, underscoring the transparency and integrity of the democratic system. Citizens exercised their right to vote for mayors and PARLACEN deputies without hindrance, reflecting a healthy democratic spirit.
President Bukele acknowledged the diversity of choices made by voters across municipalities, noting that in some areas, individuals opted for mayoral candidates not affiliated with the Nuevas Ideas party. The President attributed this to a “vote of punishment” for the subpar performances of certain incumbents.
Highlighting his impartial stance during the campaign, President Bukele refrained from endorsing specific mayoral candidates. However, he expressed confidence in the wisdom of the Salvadoran people, noting that the newly elected mayors align with parties that have consistently supported the government’s initiatives.
A noteworthy outcome of these elections was the unprecedented results for traditional political parties. The FMLN, a long-standing political entity, recorded a historic setback, securing zero deputies and zero municipalities for the first time in its existence. Similarly, ARENA, another established party, managed to secure only one mayoral position.
In contrast, parties aligned with President Bukele’s vision demonstrated overwhelming support. Of the total 44 municipalities, 43 now have mayors from parties that endorse the government’s projects. This sweeping victory for supporting parties, as President Bukele expressed, underscores the continued backing for the changes initiated since his presidential victory in 2019.
The opposition, comprising VAMOS and NUESTRO TIEMPO, faced a challenging outcome, securing zero mayoral positions collectively. The combined effort of all opposition parties resulted in only one mayoral win, highlighting the overwhelming mandate received by parties aligned with the current administration.
President Bukele concluded his statement with gratitude, expressing thanks to the citizens and, in his words, “Gracias a Dios 🇸🇻” – thanking God for the successful democratic process in El Salvador.