In a statement, the State Department calls for respect for the separation of powers and fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, in addition to maintaining a clean election process.
In a brief statement, the United States government reports through its State Department sent a congratulation to the Salvadorans because on Sunday, February 28, he had developed a peaceful, orderly electoral process that, except for a few altercations, continued without major shocks.
The State Department, akin to a Chancellery, took advantage of this message to emphasize the Joe Biden administration’s emphasis on strengthening Salvadoran democracy.
“The country’s social, economic and political stability requires the strengthening of El Salvador’s democratic institutions,” said the US administration’s brief statement.
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He added that all political leaders in the country must commit to “eradicating corruption, respecting the separation of powers, increasing transparency and respecting human rights, including freedom of expression”.
On Election Day the Association of Journalists of El Salvador (APES) recorded 58 attacks on journalists and violations of the freedom of the press in the context of election coverage. Of these, four were severe attacks, that is, they constituted a physical offense, including an incident in which a member of the presidential battalion attacked photojournalist El Diario de Hoy, Jessica Orellana.
Freedom of the press has so far been weakened during the Bukele government and on election day there were several attacks on this fundamental right.
The United States government also called for the defense of the rule of law and the balance of power. Both have failed during the current presidency, leading to numerous actors disrespecting the country’s constitutional and democratic order, such as the 9F, challenging judicial decisions, disobeying the legislature, and attempting to circumvent institutions that require it to be they are accountable.
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These democratic concerns have grown now that it is known New Ideas, the ruling party, has obtained a qualified majority allowing the presidency to process laws, loans, official appointments and even layoffs without any filter from the opposition.
Congratulations on the election
In its statement, the State Department stated, “The United States congratulates the people of El Salvador for having successful parliamentary, municipal and Central American parliamentary elections.”
The day went smoothly and international observers agreed it was a fair, free and transparent election. In addition, it had a high participation.
“We applaud the broad participation of Salvadorans in the election, despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the US government.
They also called for the unity of Salvadorans to promote a “safe and prosperous country where all citizens can grow”.
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