By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to a recent intergovernmental report, El Salvador is experiencing the most rapid decline in democratic indicators within Latin America and the Caribbean. This deterioration is largely attributed to President Nayib Bukele’s policies, including a state of emergency that has led to arrests without court orders and a controversial move to allow indefinite reelection. The report highlights a sharp decline in freedoms, a weakening of the rule of law and judicial independence, and notes that El Salvador now has the world’s highest incarceration rate. The Bukele model, while popular, is associated with serious human rights concerns, including torture and abuse, and the country is now ranked with Afghanistan, Chad, Myanmar, and Tunisia.
Read the original article here
El Salvador Faces Fastest Democratic Decline in Latin America, and it’s a chilling reality to consider. It’s a situation drawing comparisons to countries with infamous histories of authoritarianism, which immediately raises red flags. The fundamental pillars of democracy – free speech, independent press, term limits, and due process – are being eroded at an alarming rate.
There’s a lot of discussion about why this is happening, and it often comes down to the appeal of swift solutions. One of the primary justifications being offered is the drastic reduction in gang violence. The argument is that the ends justify the means. However, to counter this, there is an observation that gang-related issues are not always intertwined with a democratic status, as North Korea proves. Sure, the streets may be safer, but at what cost?
The sacrifices being made are significant. Journalists are being harassed and intimidated, term limits are being disregarded, and the independence of institutions is under threat. It’s a playbook that draws parallels to historical figures known for their autocratic rule. The allure of strong leadership and the promise of security can be seductive, but history is filled with examples of how these choices lead to unintended consequences. In the long run, a government that operates without checks and balances can become increasingly unconstrained.
The situation is further complicated by the context of the existing conditions in El Salvador. Before the recent changes, the country was grappling with extremely high homicide rates and a climate of fear, with gang members controlling significant portions of the country. Many El Salvadorans have expressed feeling unsafe and oppressed under the previous regime. It’s easy to see how, in such a setting, the promise of safety would resonate. This can be compared to a time before and after, where people feel much safer.
However, this does not mean that the problem is simple to fix. There are serious questions about whether a dictatorial style of leadership is the only, or the best, way to address these issues. The core of the problem with this method is that even if the crime rate decreases, that crime may take a new form – an even more dangerous form, in the form of government repression. There is a vast difference between addressing crime and resorting to authoritarianism. The most serious question is whether the government will eventually turn into the very thing it is fighting against.
The speed of the democratic decline is also remarkable, even when taking into account existing issues. While some argue that a focus on safety is paramount, it’s crucial to remember the importance of maintaining liberty. The erosion of freedoms can happen quickly, and the consequences may be long-lasting.
It is important to note the overwhelming support for the current changes being made. It has a very high approval rating, but this doesn’t negate the concerns. It’s important to consider the long-term implications of decisions and not blindly accept the idea that any action is justified as long as it improves safety.
Moreover, the international community’s response and the potential for outside influence are also worth noting. The US’s approach to the situation will be a critical factor in shaping the future of El Salvador’s democracy. It is important to also observe if other countries are influenced by the El Salvador’s experiment.
The decline in democratic freedoms isn’t just limited to Latin America. There is a global concern surrounding the status of democracies, raising questions about their future. As such, the situation in El Salvador is a test case, a cautionary tale. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of upholding fundamental rights, even in the face of complex challenges.