@theeconomist

El Salvador’s president reacted to his re-election victory with his usual understatement. Before any official results were announced, Nayib Bukele claimed to have won at least 85% of the vote. He is already hinting at a third term. ⁠ ⁠ While sticklers for the rule of law noted that it was unconstitutional for him to run for a second consecutive term, Mr Bukele has indeed won a landslide victory. With 31% of the votes tallied, he had 83%. ⁠ ⁠ The strongman is popular largely thanks to his crackdown on crime. More than 74,000 people—equivalent to over 8% of the young male population—have been locked up on suspicion of gang ties.⁠ ⁠ But click the link in our bio to read why not all Salvadoreans are cheering his victory.⁠ ⁠ Photo: EPA

February 05, 2024