El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, has officially filed for re-election in next year’s polls despite criticism that it goes against the country’s constitution. Bukele, along with his running mate Vice President Ulloa, registered as the candidate representing their political party just before the deadline on Thursday. This move has been described as a last-minute spectacle following rumors of Bukele’s hospitalization.
Public Support and Criticism
The President’s decision to seek re-election comes after he made his intentions known last year. He garnered significant public support for his efforts in reviving the nation’s economy and ensuring security. While his supporters cheer him on for another term, critics argue that he lacks the constitutional backing to enter another election.
According to the country’s constitution, Bukele is prohibited from seeking a second term of five years. However, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor, raising speculation of a possible violation of the law. In 2021, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal accepted the court’s decision, which cannot be appealed. Opposition parties and activist groups have expressed concerns over the court’s ruling, labeling Bukele as an authoritarian ruler and referring to the upcoming election as a “farce.” Critics highlight that the court’s judges who allowed Bukele’s re-election were appointed by the ruling party-controlled legislature, deviating from the normal process.
“It is not a decision for foreigners but for citizens,” said Brian A. Nichols, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, during a visit to the country.
A Break from Tradition and Economic Achievements
Bukele rose to power in 2019 after his party, Nueva Ideas, emerged victorious in the general elections, ending the dominance of the Nationalist Republican Alliance and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLNB). Known for being a pro-Bitcoin (BTC) candidate, his tenure has witnessed significant investments in the top cryptocurrency and the implementation of legislation to support the wider industry.
The Vice President has recently praised Bukele’s pro-Bitcoin stance, highlighting it as a key factor in the country’s economic renaissance. “It’s the result of applying a financial policy from the government of President Nayib Bukele, exercised by our entities in charge,” he added. A poll conducted by the Center for Citizen Studies at Francisco Gavidia University indicates that Nueva Ideas enjoys 70% support following Bukele’s efforts to crack down on violent gangs.
