Overview

• El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is poised for reelection despite allegations of human rights abuses and constitutional violations.
• Bukele's 'iron fist' tactics have significantly reduced the country's homicide rate, gaining him widespread support despite a high incarceration rate.
• Despite international criticism, Bukele has maintained popularity at home and abroad, with some leaders in the region adopting his approach to tackle their own security crises.
• Bukele's government has been accused of using state funds for propaganda, with a heavy focus on social media and state-run news sources.
• Opponents argue that Bukele's measures have led to civil liberty violations, with over 1,700 habeas corpus petitions filed to El Salvador’s Supreme Court on behalf of people allegedly wrongfully detained.