ADVERTISEMENT

Citizens vote in key legislative and municipal elections

Police and army troops were deployed across the country to provide security for the elections, the ninth since a 1992 peace accord ended a bloody 12-year civil war.

At stake are all 84 seats in the single-chamber Congress and mayoralties and council seats in the tiny Central American country's 262 municipalities.

The main parties participating in the elections are the ruling Farabundo Marti National Liberation Movement, and the Republican Nationalist Alliance (ARENA), a conservative opposition party that is favored to make gains.

The two parties were deadly opponents during the civil war, with guerrilla groups under the banner of the FMLN fighting against a succession of US-backed governments. ARENA, for its part, was co-founded in 1981 by Roberto D'Aubuisson, a soldier linked to right-wing death squads.

ADVERTISEMENT

'Future at stake'

The elections will give a measure of Sanchez Ceren's strength at a time when the country has been battered by violent crime.

"There are many deputies who are up for re-election who have done nothing for the country. That's why you have to think hard (about who to vote for). Our future is at stake," said Idalia Hernandez, a university student.

After three months of campaigning, the faces of the candidates are everywhere, their pictures hanging from light posts in towns throughout the country.

The new elected officials will take up their positions on May 1.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the current Congress, ARENA has a slight majority, with 35 seats to the FMLN's 31. Three other parties hold 18 seats.

That has forced Sanchez Ceren to negotiate to get legislation passed.

He has succeeded in getting the Congress to fund certain popular social programs like free lunches and school supplies for public school students.

But ARENA has blocked borrowing sought by the government for public works programs, and forced cuts in spending in the 2018 budget.

Final stretch

ADVERTISEMENT

Analyst Dagoberto Gutierrez says the government functions because it has "the maturity to negotiate, to dialogue and not to try to impose its will on a sometimes capricious opposition."

"The government is in the final stretch. So if it wants to finish well, it must be agile and dialogue not only with the legislative assembly but with the other forces in society," he said.

Sanchez Ceren needs the support of the legislature as he finishes his presidency to put through laws aimed at getting crime under control.

El Salvador's murder rate in 2017 was one of the highest in the world at 60 homicides per 100,000 people.

And although that is an improvement over 2015, when the murder rate spiked to 103 per 100,000 people, El Salvador is still one of the world's most violent countries, in large part due to the presence of the feared MS-13 and Barrio 18 transnational gangs.

ADVERTISEMENT

Analyst Felix Ulloa says violent crime is one of the biggest problems facing Salvadorans, one that the opposition has zeroed in on.

"The government can't just offer repression as the solution. It has to place its bets on prevention, the generation of opportunities for youths in areas that are at risk," he said.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT