• For our 2007 Progress Report, click here.

• See SHARE’s 25^th Anniversary Poster.

The Dawn of a New Era?
A Critical Look at the Upcoming 2009 Elections in El Salvador*

El Salvador is at a crossroads. Municipal and National Assembly Elections will take place January 18, 2009 and the Presidential Election is scheduled for March 15, 2009. During this time frame, every elected and appointed official will be up for grabs. Presidential elections are dominated by two parties: the leftist party, FMLN (Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front), and the rightist, neoliberal party, ARENA (National Republican Alliance), which has controlled the executive branch since 1989.

Already, this election cycle has distinguished itself as potential voters favor the FMLN presidential candidate, Mauricio Funes, for the first time in 20 years (see poll at right). Therefore, this is an important moment in Salvadoran politics that could change the current state of affairs. Since the Salvadoran Civil War ended in 1992, the people of El Salvador have faced almost 20 years of neoliberal policies that have instituted an unsustainable economic model based on imports. This model makes the country more vulnerable to volatile global issues like the food crisis, which is forcing many Salvadorans to migrate in search of a better life.

Political Framework

There are five political parties represented in the Salvadoran National Assembly.  However, ARENA and the FMLN each control 40% of the seats.  Three other parties share the remaining 20% of the seats and are usually swing parties that help one of the two big parties (usually ARENA) to win the majority needed to approve legislation.  These parties are: The National Conciliation Party (PCN), the Christian Democratic Party (PDC), and the Democratic Change (CD).  On the local level, ARENA controls a majority of municipalities while the FMLN controls many of the more populated ones.  Smaller parties also control several municipalities, despite their limited ability to gain ground on the national level.

2009 Presidential Race: The Candidates

Rodrigo Avila (ARENA)

Avila is well known throughout El Salvador and several other countries in the region as the two term chief of the Salvadoran National Civil Police (PNC).  In 1993, he headed the newly formed PNC, designed to enforce the Peace Accords that had just brought an end to the Civil War.  During his term as police chief, he earned a reputation for toughness as he always accompanied his officer on operations with his pistol on his belt.

Avila is likely to lean on ARENA's reputation of heavy handed leadships and emphasis on stability.  The party aims to stop crime by taking a hard line on gang-related delincuency.  ARENA's use of neoliberal trade policies such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and willingness to maintain a military presence in Iraq have earned El Salvador the reputation of being one of US President George W. Bush's Administration's closest allies.  Avila's presence represents a firm ruler who embodies ARENA's commitment to stability.  Since many Salvadorans have been traumatized by war and violence, this image may be appealing.

Mauricio Funes (FMLN)

Funes, a newcomer to politics, is a very respected and influential Salvadoran journalist.  From 1997 until 2003, Funes hosted a program entitled Sin Censura (Uncensored), during which he gained prominence by criticizing the ARENA party and the mismanagement of international foreign aid policies.  After years of being encouraged to run for office, he formally announced his candidacy on September 27, 2008.  Funes draws much of his influence from Archbishop Oscar Romero and has been in solidarity with ministries and wartime refugees throughout his journalism career.

Funes has pledged to continue to support trade and improve relations with all nations.  In addition to maintaining good relations with the United States, Funes aims to explore new markets and improve relations with Venezuela, Cuba, and even China.  Funes has pledged to work closely with foreign aid organizations to combat gang and domestic violence both at home and abroad.  Funes' position as a government outsider has allowed him to win the trust of an electorate weary of radicalism.  His early success in the polls reflects his image as a new source of hope for many Salvadorans.

What Will Decide the Election?

Many Salvdorans lack physical and financial security, causing great distress as they head to the voting booth.  Violence and the high cost of living are dominating the public's outlook.  In addition, many outside factors such as the perceived image of each party in the eyes of the United States government, the role of the Salvadoran media, and the world food crisis could have a dramatic effect on the outcome of the 2009 elections.

What is clear is that the people of El Salvador have pinned their need to have their voices heard to these elections.  Thus, if suspicion of fraud were to taint their outcomes, the result could be disastrous.  The international community could play a positive role in promoting transparency and averting the risk of election fraud.

The SHARE Foundation: Building a New El Salvador Today would like encourage our friends and supporters to come on delegation to serve as international election observers to ensure that El Salvador's elections are free, fair, and above approach.  Now is the time to take solidarity to the next level and be a voice for democracy!  Click here for more information regarding SHARE's election delegations.

By Arian Hassanalizadeh, Grassroots Education and Advocacy Intern

Works consulted: