Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, recently oversaw a moment in which photographs featured a warrior image. In these images he was seen holding a highly effective rifle that could target drones at long range. The display reinforced his public persona as a decisive leader, labeled as both a protective figure and, by some critics, a hard-edged ruler. He directed viewers toward the notion that no miracle would come from outside his ongoing leadership. The weapon in the photo, associated with a drone defense company, became a banner for his election campaign scheduled for early February 2024.
New weapons were showcased in a post that circulated online.
— Nayib Bukele
The country has faced constitutional debates about re-election. Bukele’s high level of popularity has coincided with a strong emphasis on security in daily life, which some observers say has given him leeway to interpret existing rules in ways that extend political influence. Critics note that such actions echo patterns seen in regional histories, where leaders have pursued second terms, sometimes with limited checks from the judiciary. The alliance of executive power and constitutional interpretation attracted comment from Cristosal, a human rights organization with two decades of experience in El Salvador. They warned that the move could set a precedent that challenges the balance of powers and the rule of law. Ruth Eleonora López, a defender of anti-corruption efforts, and others cautioned that the country might reflect broader regional narratives of leadership and governance. Maximiliano Hernández Martínez, a former leader, was cited as a historical point of reference in discussions about candidacy and authority.
A weakened opposition
The digital magazine El Faro described the start of the campaign as taking place with an opposition that appeared weakened and with limited prospects for victory. Four political parties were expected to intensify their messaging and outreach as the election period began to unfold.
Efforts to form a united front among opposition groups persisted, but agreements were primarily declarations of intent. In the electoral framework, about 6.1 million Salvadorans, including roughly 678 thousand residents living abroad, would be eligible to vote for president, parliamentary representatives, and municipal officials.
New ideas from Bukele’s party were projected to secure a substantial majority of votes, according to a study by a local university. Escalating abstention rates were noted by observers and were seen as potentially benefiting Bukele’s coalition. Support for other parties, including ARENA on the right and FMLN on the left, remained modest, with smaller percentages aligning with other groups. Some surveys indicated minor levels of support for newer parties, while others tracked fluctuations in voter intention.
Political benefits of a strong hand
The administration portrayed a narrative of progress, arguing that the country had moved away from a history of high crime and danger toward improved security. Social media postings highlighted perceived gains in safety. In terms of crime statistics, 2023 saw a reduction in homicide rates compared with earlier years, contributing to the perception of improved public safety since the presidency began. The government presented its approach as a framework for continuity in security and governance, even as human rights groups documented ongoing concerns, including reported abuses, torture, and disappearances in some cases.
The regime’s approach has included measures aimed at disrupting organized crime networks. Critics have noted that these efforts coincided with a period of reduced freedoms for some segments of society, and have raised questions about due process and civil liberties. Advocates for human rights argued that the actions should be subject to careful scrutiny and independent oversight to protect core democratic norms.
Supporters emphasized a narrative of hard decisions during challenging times, while opponents contended that such approaches risk eroding essential freedoms. The public discourse, they argued, was shaped by a debate about the right balance between security and liberty, and by concerns about transparency in governance.
Regional implications
Bukele’s leadership style has drawn attention from across the region, where some commentators see a trend toward stronger executive authority. Observers noted that regional reactions ranged from cautious endorsement to criticism. An architectural project of strong security measures, including large-scale corrections to the penal system, drew attention to how other countries might consider similar strategies. A regional survey highlighted that perceptions of democracy and institutional stability varied across Latin American nations, with some respondents expressing concern about the durability of democratic norms amid rising security-focused policies. The data suggested that broader attitudes toward governance were shifting in parts of the region, reflecting diverse political climates and historical legacies.