Outright win hands Bukele solid mandate in El Salvador

Significance

His immediate concerns will be tackling corruption and high levels of violent crime, as well as reviving the economy. High expectations will be undermined by his lack of a majority within the legislature, and a policy agenda that has yet to be fully clarified.

Impacts

• Bukele’s foreign policy will move away from his predecessor’s pro-Nicaragua and pro-Venezuela stance to a more centrist approach.
• Bukele’s pledge to boost GDP growth to above 4% could struggle if his economic stimulus plans are delayed by the legislature.
• The risk that graft probes might create problems for his own government could quickly weigh on Bukele’s professed enthusiasm for Cicies.