Why El Salvador elected a self-proclaimed 'coolest dictator'
On Sunday, President Nayib Bukele won reelection in El Salvador in a landslide. Today, The Post\u2019s Mary Beth Sheridan addresses what\u2019s behind Bukele\u2019s striking popularity, his self-proclaimed nickname on social media and his controversial war on gangs.
Nayib Bukele first took office in 2019 as an independent, becoming El Salvador\u2019s \u2013 and Latin America\u2019s \u2013 youngest president. He made a name for himself through his alleged crackdown on gangs and savvy use of social media to market his efforts.
While consolidating power and operating in a state of emergency, Bukele oversaw the imprisonment of more than 1 percent of El Salvador\u2019s population. The improvements to safety have been celebrated across El Salvador, and other Latin American leaders are taking note of the approach. But these developments are also raising concerns that they come at a cost to human rights and democracy. Despite voting irregularities and a controversial decision that allowed him to skirt a ban on immediate reelection, Bukele continues to have widespread support.
Read More:
\u2018World\u2019s coolest dictator\u2019 reelected in El Salvador: What to know.
How to match Bukele\u2019s success against gangs? First, dismantle democracy.
Today\u2019s show was produced by Elana Gordon and edited by Monica Campbell. It was mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Carmen Valeria Escobar for additional reporting.
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