The Salvadoran Legislative Assembly has officially ratified a landmark constitutional reform to create a 15th constituency, ensuring that the millions of citizens living abroad—primarily in the United States—gain direct representation in Congress. This historic move allows the diaspora to elect their own deputies, a right previously denied for decades. Legislative President Ernesto Castro emphasized that this process guarantees a “direct and transparent” voice for those who contribute significantly to the nation’s fabric.
The reform, which passed with 57 votes, modifies Article 79 of the Constitution to foster political equality. Proponents, such as deputy Christian Guevara, argue that this amendment finally fulfills the constitutional promise that all citizens are equal before the law. By establishing these dedicated seats, the government aims to modernize the electoral system and integrate the diaspora into the country’s daily political decision-making process through the use of new communication technologies.
However, the initiative faced pushback from opposition parties like ARENA and VAMOS, who questioned the readiness of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and criticized the speed of the secondary law reforms. President Nayib Bukele quickly confronted these critics, pointing out a perceived double standard in their logic. He questioned how the opposition can advocate for the influence of international organizations while simultaneously attempting to block the political participation of Salvadorans living overseas.
Addressing the criticism that the diaspora should not have a vote because they do not reside in El Salvador, Bukele remarked: “The opposition says that the diaspora should not be given political representation because ‘they do not live in the country.’ But aren’t they the same ones who advocate for doing what the representatives of international NGOs say, who don’t even know our country?” With the reform now ratified, the Assembly moves toward harmonizing the Electoral Code and the Special Law for Exercise of Suffrage Abroad to prepare for the upcoming cycles.