The archbishop described as unprecedented the fact that the people request and support the re-election of the president, especially when the 1983 Constitution, according to some analysts, prevents the continuation of a government for consecutive periods, despite which a resolution of the Constitutional Chamber endorsed in September 2021 the immediate presidential re-election.

The archbishop asserted that the way he understands it, said resolution is mandatory, for which he believes that the discussion can be carried out, but there are already facts to register Bukele’s candidacy, since even the Supreme Electoral Tribunal complied with the decision.

Vice President Felix Ulloa told Prensa Latina on Friday that Bukele may present himself as a candidate, which supports the resolution, and it will be the people who decide if they agree with his continuity as president.

It is important to highlight the influence of religion among Salvadorans, since 44.9 percent of the population identifies itself as Catholic, 31.8 percent as evangelical Protestant and 18 percent have no affiliation, therefore the archbishop’s opinion carries weight.

Escobar Alas’ statement that the people want President Bukele to be re-elected, albeit early, could set the trend for the presidential elections on February 4th, 2024.

In the archbishop’s opinion, the good work carried out by the government on security issues and other strategies to confront the gangs influence this, and constitutes Bukele’s best letter of introduction in his plan to continue in the presidency.

pgh/llp/jf/lb