What’s Happening?
El Salvador’s presidential and legislative elections will take place this Sunday, February 4. For months, LAWG, along with other human rights organizations, have been warning officials in the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress that President Bukele’s running for reelection is unconstitutional per six separate articles in the Salvadoran Constitution. As president, Bukele dissolved the independent judiciary branch and imposed his own judges to secure his candidacy in these elections.
Bukele is popular because he drastically reduced gang violence through a permanent state of emergency that has allowed the police to arbitrarily arrest people suspected of being in gangs. But over 200,000 people, including children, have been incarcerated since the state of emergency began and nearly 200 people have died suspiciously with signs of torture. At the same time, the Salvadoran government has passed reforms that reduce transparency, access to information, and that weaken judicial independence. There are no checks and balances. LAWG is concerned that the re-election of President Bukele will solidify his control over all areas of the State and undermine democracy and rule of law.
The adverse implications for human rights and the right to due process cannot be understated.
His concentration of power threatens human rights organizations and independent journalists, who experience harassment and threats for criticizing the government. Salvadorans now grapple with fears not only from criminal gangs but also from state authorities. This heightened insecurity may drive more individuals to flee their country and embark on dangerous migration journeys.
What Can You Do?
There’s still time to denounce Bukele’s undemocratic actions! We need you to voice your concerns about the future of El Salvador to the Biden administration and urge the Administration to publicly and strongly condemn human rights and civil rights violations and to urge for an end to the state of emergency, reestablish the rule of law, and protect human rights. Take these simple steps:
1. Call the White House switchboard, (202-456-1414)
2. Use the following sample script: “My name is [NAME], from [CITY, TOWN, STATE, ZIP CODE], I am calling to urge President Biden to issue a statement on the elections of El Salvador on February 4th. Combating corruption and supporting democracy is part of Vice President Harris’s Root Causes to Address Migration in Central America. President Bukele’s reelection would mean even more human rights violations and closing of civic spaces in El Salvador. Please consider my request, and thank you for your time.”
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