El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and his New Ideas party have clinched a supermajority in Congress, granting Bukele the authority to govern without hindrance, as announced by electoral officials on Monday. Bukele's landslide re-election victory on February 4 with 84.7% of the vote was followed by the New Ideas party securing 54 out of 60 congressional seats, with allied parties winning an additional three seats.
The supermajority now provides Bukele, often dubbed the 'world's coolest dictator,' with enhanced control over all branches of government. The 42-year-old leader, known for his tough stance against gangs, has faced criticism for alleged undemocratic actions, including electoral reforms favoring his party and potential constitutional amendments to extend his term.
Bukele's dominance in congress is expected to facilitate the continuation of emergency measures for his anti-gang initiatives and potentially pave the way for economic reforms. However, concerns have been raised by electoral observers and opposition parties regarding irregularities in the vote counting process, leading to calls for a manual recount and allegations of intimidation by New Ideas party members.
Despite these challenges, legal experts suggest that while irregularities may have occurred, they are unlikely to have significantly altered the election outcome in favor of Bukele. The Organization of American States has highlighted issues with the vote counting process but stopped short of advocating for a new round of voting.
As Bukele solidifies his grip on power, the implications of his supermajority in congress remain to be seen, with potential ramifications for the country's political landscape and governance. The situation in El Salvador continues to evolve, with ongoing scrutiny and debate surrounding the electoral process and its outcomes.
