El Salvador’s presidential elections and the future of democracy

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele was recently re-elected with more than 80% of the vote. While Bukele is credited with bringing the country’s crime rate to historic lows, he has also adopted increasingly authoritarian measures under the guise of fighting the country’s powerful gangs. Speakers will analyze the sources of Bukele’s popularity, the human toll of Bukele’s prolonged state of exception, and the threats to democracy in El Salvador.

Speakers include:

• José Miguel Cruz, Director of Research at Florida International University‘s Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center
• Mneesha Gellman, Associate Professor of Political Science, Emerson College
• Yanilda María González (Moderator), Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School

About the Series

This webinar is part of the Global Elections Webinar Series, sponsored by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation and the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia. With over half the world’s population heading to the polls in 2024, throughout the semester Harvard scholars will examine a number of elections and electoral trends from across the globe.

Event Details

This event is online only, and registration is required. A recording will be made available after the event’s conclusion.

The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. Should you wish to enquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.