El Salvador’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has declared the credentials of the country’s elected representatives and alternates to the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) for the 2026-2031 term legally invalid, preventing them from taking office as scheduled on October 28.

The ruling, issued on September 25, gives the 20 elected deputies and 20 alternates five business days to return their credentials to the electoral authority. The TSE said the decision does not invalidate the March 3, 2024 election itself, but rather reflects subsequent constitutional and electoral reforms that removed the legal basis for the credentials.

The changes include reforms to Articles 80 and 133 of El Salvador’s Constitution, approved on July 31, which removed references to Parlacen representatives as popularly elected officials and eliminated their legislative initiative regarding Central American integration. A May 2026 reform to Article 34 of the Electoral Code also repealed provisions concerning the regional parliament.

The elected delegation includes representatives from Nuevas Ideas, ARENA, FMLN, GANA, PDC and PCN. The TSE is expected to communicate its resolution to Parlacen and the affected representatives.

The development comes amid broader changes surrounding Central American regional institutions. On October 3, Nicaragua formally notified Parlacen of its decision to withdraw from the treaty establishing the regional parliamentary body and other political institutions.

The TSE’s decision adds a significant new chapter to El Salvador’s electoral and constitutional reforms, as the country reassesses its institutional participation in regional organizations.