Pictures of El Salvador

El Salvador Decidió GuillermoChacon/Directivo de Red Nacional Salvadoreña-Americana. |2009-03-18 | El Diario NY

El domingo 15 de marzo el pueblo salvadoreño cumplió su compromiso y vocación democrática, al asistir masivamente a elegir su Presidente.

El ganador fue Mauricio Funes, del Partido Político FMLN. Con la llegada del partido de izquierda al poder, El Salvador experimentará por primera vez la alternancia política en su historia.

Las elecciones presidenciales arrancaron sin mayores por menores en los centros de votación a nivel nacional, en el Estadio Nacional Jorge “Mágico” Gonzáles, este último designado como centro de votación para los salvadoreños residiendo en el exterior. Las autoridades electorales esperaban a 40 mil residentes en el exterior y solamente llegaron a votar 294 personas.

El gobierno salvadoreño actual no logro por segunda ocasión asegurarles el derecho de la gran colonia salvadoreña que reside en el exterior, su derecho a votar desde su país de residencia, como lo hacen los ecuatorianos, dominicanos, peruanos entre otros.

La esperanza será que el Presidente electo Mauricio Funes trabaje para asegurarles su derecho democrático.

La campaña presidencial fue dominada por un mensaje de temor, que el Presidente Hugo Chávez quería tomar el control del país centroamericano.

La población quería escuchar propuestas de cómo cambiar la crisis económica y la inseguridad. Quería respuestas al hecho que la mayoría de jóvenes tienen su aspiración de migrar a Estados Unidos ante la falta de oportunidades en El Salvador.

La campaña de Mauricio Funes fue fijada a proponer un cambio seguro con participación de todos y todas. El mensaje del presidente electo la noche de domingo fue maduro, inclusivo, balanceado y con visión de futuro.

El Salvador avanzará para consolidar su democracia a través del liderazgo del presidente electo para unir a la nación ante la enorme crisis económica, social y de inseguridad ciudadana que impera en el pulgarcito de America.

La victoria de Mauricio Funes descansó en una inteligente política de alianzas sociales muy amplia, que generó confianza para caminar por la alternancia política, esencial para alcanzar un balance y control ciudadano.

Funes aseguró que su nuevo gobierno será guiado por la constitución de la república y el estado de derecho, llamó a alejarse del revanchismo político y poner como prioridad el fortalecer las relaciones integrales con los Estados Unidos.

El Salvador estuvo en la atención de la prensa mundial. Sus recientes elecciones han sido catalogadas como históricas y sin duda Monseñor Oscar Romero votó para que asegurarse de que el nuevo presidente tenga una opción preferencial para los pobres, y así asegurarles un futuro con justicia social y económica para todos.

SANN Post-Election Press Conference

SANN gives the organization's responses and recommendations concerning the electoral process and the in-coming government of Mauricio Funes during a press conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Salvador, El Salvador on March 17, 2009. (click on title to listen to the press conference)

Day 3: Election Day Photos

FMLN shows its dominance in specific areas in San Salvador.

Salvadoran man shows his support for FMLN candidate, Mauricio Funes.

A voter looking for her name and voting table.

Voting table monitor checks to see that a voter identification card matches the voter registry. Salvadoran woman votes on election day. Voter receives an ink mark on their thumb after voting. ARENA and FMLN voting monitors on election day. Counting of the votes at the end of the day. Counting of the votes. Tallying votes during individual table counts. La Feria voting center in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Day 3: Election Day

Election Day On March 15th, SANN's delegation participated as international election observers as Salvadorans went to the polls to elect their new president. Members of the delegation split into two groups to observe and monitor elections in two of the largest voting centers in the nation's capital of San Salvador, with the purpose of helping to ensure that a democratic process was respected that day and to denounce any irregularities that may have occurred. Voting Irregularities There were concerns the day of election that measures could be taken by the dominant right wing party that could compromise the electoral process. One of the principal fears leading up to the election was that fraud would once again play a key role in securing a victory for the right wing party. Nonetheless, voting began smoothly that morning with no major incidences of disturbances reported throughout the day and voting centers in and around San Salvador closed peacefully. However, a few irregularities were reported, including mismatching identification cards with voter registries and the possible busing in of non-Salvadorans citizens to vote. Campaign of Fear Many were also concerned that the campaign of fear launched by the conservative party would deter supporters from voting for the leftist candidate. Leading up to the election the National Republican Alliance (ARENA) party and its candidate, Rodrigo Avilas, had concentrated its efforts in scarring the Salvadoran population into voting against the Farabundo Marti National Liberation (FMLN) party and their candidate, Mauricio Funes. Media advertisements and billboards claimed that a leftist Salvadoran government would be a puppet government for other Latin American leaders like that of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. ARENA also attempted to inject fear that the Temporary Protection Status, a special immigration status extended to Salvadorans after a devastating earthquake in 2001, would be terminated if Funes was elected. Salvadorans Vote Despite this campaign of fear, Salvadorans came out to vote in mass with about 70% of the eligible voters voting in the presidential election. Rumors during the day pointed to a lead for the leftist candidate Mauricio Funes and the FMLN, the once guerrilla force turn political party with the signing of Peace Accords in 1992. Supporters of the right wing candidate, Rodrigo Avilas, seemed to sense that their candidate was poised to loose the election that would end 20 years of the party's government rule. During the day supporters of the conservative party did not have the same celebratory spirit as those voting for Funes and the FMLN, who were celebrating in the streets loudly, that gave one the feeling that they had accepted defeat even before the first election results were released. Election Results At 7pm the Supreme Electoral Tribunal announced that with 30% of the votes counted the leftist FMLN party was leading. And at 9pm Mauricio Funes announced his presidential victory by a small margin of 51% to his opponents 49% in front of the international press before going on to join thousands of his supporters in a public celebration. Funes and FMLN Supporters Celebrate Supporters of Funes and the FMLN were absolutely electric when the Supreme Electoral Tribunal announced the first election results. Old FMLN party members and those that have been involved in the party's struggle for decades rejoiced with tears, finally convinced that reports of an FMLN advantage during the day were indeed true and the energy of a younger generation was ignited with chants and cheers that lasted well into the morning hours. For many the victory of Funes was a long awaited vindication for the enormous suffering and pain suffered by the Salvadoran people at the hands of the right wing government and military rule that preceded it; for others it means a new political direction for the country, one that many hope will address the pressing economic, social, and political concerns of the nation's poor majority.

Day 2: SANN Delegation with Mauricio Funes

SANN Delegation takes a picture with FMLN presidential candidate, Mauricio Funes in the Intercontinental Hotel in San Salvador, El Salvador (March 14, 2009)

Day 2: Santa Tecla Visit

SANN visits the municipality of Santa Tecla just outside of San Salvador. Santa Tecla became a sister city to San Francisco in 2001 through the work of now Assemblyman for the 13th Assembly District, Tom Ammiano. Santa Tecla has over the past decade emerged as a model municipality, working hard to improve the lives of its community members by investing in community projects. The mayor of Santa Tecla, Oscar Ortiz, has been attributed with making these changes possible through his leadership in the last ten years. (Picture to left: The newly remodeled municipal palace that has been opened up to the public for educational activities, performances, and a local cafe.) (Picture below: A Santa Tecla Board of Supervisor gives the SANN delegation a tour of the municipal palace and explains that a new art exhibit will be opening up soon.) (Picture: Art room in the Santa Tecla municipal palace, one of various rooms dedicated to supporting youth creative arts, including music and dance.) (Picture: Central plaza in Santa Tecla, one of several parks that the municipality has worked on cleaning up to promote safe areas where community members can come together. Nearby is a market that was recently established in order to support the economic activities of community members.)

Day 2: Interview with Las Amigas de Funes

A representative of Las Amigas de Funes (Friends of Funes) speaks about the challenges women face in El Salvador; the group's expectations for a new progressive Salvadoran government; and hopes for immigration reform in the U.S. (Click on title to listen to the interview)

Day 2: Las Amigas de Funes

SANN delegation met with two representatives of Las Amigos de Funes (Friends of Funes), a women's group that emerged to organize support for the FMLN candidate, Mauricio Funes and promote a progressive agenda around women's issues in the new government. (Picture: Gracia Maria of Las Amigos de Funes)

Day 2: Talk with Kate Andrade

SANN's Delegation had a chance to speak with Kate Andrade about the political context in El Salvador, as well as, the challenges facing the nation and its next president. Andrade has worked on one of the most extensive studies on the impacts of migration in El Salvador and is currently teaching at the Central American University Jose Simeon Canas (UCA) in San Salvador. Photo: Central American University Jose Simeon Canas (UCA) in San Salvador Photo: Monument to Monseñor Romero located in front of the UCA.

Of América: Roberto Lovato on Dreaming Beyond the Walls of “Civilization”

Day 1: Center for Exchange and Solidarity (CIS)

Later in the afternoon, the SANN delegation was trained by the Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad (CIS) on the rules and regulations of being an international observer. Upon completing the training delegation members received their international observer identifications. (Picture below: Ricardo Calderon of CARECEN San Francisco)

Day 1: FMLN and ARENA Platform Presentation

After the press conference, members of the delegation had a chance to hear representatives of the two major parties, the FMLN and ARENA, introduce their respective platforms to a larger group of international observers that will be monitoring the elections this Sunday. (Picture: International observers listen to representatives of the two political parties, FMLN and ARENA speak about their political platforms)

Day 1: SANN Pre-Election Press Conference

Pre-Election Press Conference On our first day of our delegation, Friday March 13th, SANN leaders held a press conference at Hotel Intercontinental in San Salvador. During the press conference SANN's leaders presented the organization's goals related to this year's presidential elections in El Salvador; including taking the opportunity to participate in the elections as official observers in order to promote a democratic electoral process, as well as, call out any possible irregularities; to further engage Salvadoran Americans in the political process and develop a deeper understanding of the reasons why immigrants migrate to the U.S.; create awareness about the conditions in which immigrants in the U.S. live and inform Salvadorans about SANN's platform; and finally, reinforce ties with sister organizations in El Salvador to strengthen SANN's transnational work. (Click on the title to listen to the SANN pre-election press conference held at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Salvador)

SANN Meets with Mauricio Funes

SANN met with Mauricio Funes, presidential candidate for the Farabundo Marti National Liberation party in February 2009.

SANN Meets with FMLN Presidential Candidate's Wife

SANN meets with FMLN presidential candidate's wife during a Feb. 2009 delegation. (left to right: Aquiles Magaña, Board member of CARECEN Los Angeles and member of SANN; Abel Nuñez, Board member of SANN and Deputy Director of Centro Romero in Chicago, Ill; Ana Perez, President of SANN and Executive Director of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), San Francisco, CA; Dr. Vanda Pignato, the wife of presidential candidate for the FMLN, Mauricio Funes; Guillermo Chacon, SANN Board member and Vice Chair of the New York Immigration Coalition in New York, NY; .

SANN Meets with ARENA Vice-Presidential Candidate

SANN meets with ARENA vice-presidential candidate in a Feb. 2009 delegation to El Salvador. (left to right: Abel Nuñez, Board member of SANN and Deputy Director of Centro Romero in Chicago, Ill; Guillermo Chacon, SANN Board member and Vice Chair of the New York Immigration Coalition in New York, NY; Arturo Zablah, vice-presidential candidate for the ARENA party; Ana Perez, President of SANN and Executive Director of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), San Francisco, CA; Aquiles Magaña, Board member of CARECEN Los Angeles and member of SANN.)

SANN Visits the United Nations in El Salvador

SANN visits the United Nations in El Salvador to hear about the mission of the UN (left to right: Ana Perez, President of SANN and Executive Director of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), San Francisco, CA; Aquiles Magaña, Board member of CARECEN Los Angeles and member of SANN; Abel Nuñez, Board member of SANN and Deputy Director of Centro Romero in Chicago, Ill.

SANN Delegation Speaks with Communtiy Stations

Members of SANN in a meeting with the Network of Community Radio Stations in El Salvador in Feb. 2009

SANN Delegation in El Salvador

SANN at a Feb. 2009 press conference in San Salvador (left to right: Abel Nuñez, Board member of SANN and Deputy Director of Centro Romero in Chicago, Ill; Guillermo Chacon, SANN Board member and Vice Chair of the New York Immigration Coalition in New York, NY; Ana Perez, President of SANN and Executive Director of the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), San Francisco, CA; Aquiles Magaña, Board member of CARECEN Los Angeles and member of SANN.

SALEF Pre-Election Observation Report

SALEF Press Release

Press Release issued by The Salvadoran-American Leadership and Educational Fund on March 5th, 2009

Reflections on the Salvadoran Socioeconomic and Political Situation

Reflections on the Salvadoran Socioeconomic and Political Situation by Aquiles Magaña

SANN: Vota Sin Miedo Campaign

In conjunction with SANN, CARECEN is participating in the nation-wide campaign VOTA SIN MIENDO EN EL SALVADOR, a campaign to encourage Salvadoran American's to convey to their family members in El Salvador the importance of engaging in the electoral process.

SANN Pre-Election Report

The following is a report produced by SANN after a delegation of SANN leaders traveled to El Salvador in February. The the delegation was part of a effort to increase Salvadoran American participation and influence in upcoming elections. The report shares the findings of the delegation and recommendations for the first 100 days of the new President of El Salvador.

Representative Raul Grijalva's (D-AZ) Congressional Letter on Elections in El Salvador

Foreign Affairs, Immigration: Dear Colleague: Respect Salvadoran Elections

From: The Honorable Raul M. Grijalva Date: 2/23/2009

Respect Democracy in El Salvador: Letter to President Obama Calling for Non-intervention in Presidential Election

Dear Colleague:

Please join us in writing to President Obama to encourage him to fulfill a historic opportunity to build a new relationship with our neighbors in the Americas based on mutual respect.

The upcoming Presidential election in El Salvador , the first in the Americas since President Obama was elected, is a chance for the United States to demonstrate that it will respect the results of our neighbors’ elections, and will not intervene in support of one party or candidate over another.

Before El Salvador ’s 2004 presidential election, US officials attempted to sway the vote by suggesting that in the event of a victory by the opposition party, the legal status of Salvadoran immigrants living in the U.S. would be jeopardized and remittances sent to El Salvador by family members in the U.S. could be outlawed.

Remittances are believed to comprise roughly 20% of El Salvador ’s GDP, and consequently these threats were widely covered in the Salvadoran press and had an enormous impact that lingers to this day.

We believe that the proper position of the U.S. Congress and government is one of neutrality and respect for El Salvador ’s independent democratic process, allowing the Salvadoran people to make a free choice of personal conscience, a choice which can only be done in the absence of coercion and threats.

Please join us in calling on President Obama to affirm this position, prevent a recurrence of the events of 2004, and bring real change to our relationship with Latin America .

Sincerely,

/s /s

Raul M. Grijalva Marcy Kaptur

Member of Congress Member of Congress

Dear President Obama:

As Members of Congress who have been disappointed by many of our nation's foreign policy decisions over the past eight years, we write to extend our support for your vision of a more respectful, less confrontational relationship with our neighbors in the Americas . We also believe that the March 2009 presidential election in El Salvador – the first such contest in the Western Hemisphere since your election in November, will provide a critical opportunity to realize this vision.

We wish to express our support for free and fair elections in El Salvador . To that end, we request your assurance that your administration will join us in honoring and respecting the will of the Salvadoran people when they go to the polls on March 15. Furthermore, we call upon all U.S. government officials and Members of Congress to refrain from any attempt, at any point during the campaign, to influence the decision of Salvadoran voters.

Intervention in the El Salvador's 2004 election took the form of public statements, made in the days and weeks leading up to the election, suggesting that U.S.-Salvadoran relations would be severely damaged in the event of a victory by the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), the opposition party whose candidate is now leading in the polls for 2009. Specific threats made by U.S. officials in 2004 alleged that the legal status of Salvadoran immigrants living in the U.S. would be jeopardized and remittances sent to El Salvador by family members in the U.S. could be outlawed if ARENA's candidate were not elected.

Documentation attached as an addendum to this letter highlights many of statements made by U.S. officials during El Salvador 's 2004 campaign, and the coverage they received in the Salvadoran press.

El Salvador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency, and the U.S. is by far the country's most important trade partner. Nearly 25% of El Salvador ’s population lives in the United States , and the remittances that these immigrants send home comprise roughly 20% of El Salvador ’s GDP.

In light of these facts and circumstances, threats made by US officials are widely covered in the Salvadoran press and can have an impact that is hard to overstate.

The interventionist statements and actions of 2004 had a serious, coercive effect on the choices made by the Salvadoran electorate and, even today linger in the minds of Salvadoran voters, as US Embassy staff in San Salvador admitted to a visiting delegation.

The governing party has encouraged the U.S. government to repeat its intervention in the 2009 campaign. I a September 2008 speech in Washington, Salvadoran Foreign Minister Marisol Argueta, called for the U.S. government to again tip the scales toward ARENA.

Pro-ARENA television advertisements recapitulating the claim that an opposition victory at the polls will cause the U.S. government to outlaw remittances from Salvadoran immigrants are nearly ubiquitous. Similar advertisements and television reports have made use of statements by an adviser to the Obama campaign, Dan Restrepo, identifying him as an actual official in the Obama Administration, to suggest that your administration is averse to an election result favoring the FMLN.

These claims and distortions will continue to resonate until they are refuted by words and actions.

As Members of Congress, we reject the threats of 2004 and any effort to instigate another US intervention in Salvadoran politics. We feel that U.S. immigration policy should not be made into a political instrument used to influence foreign elections. Similarly, we reject the suggestion that the US government would seek to financially punish Salvadorans, in this country or in El Salvador , for exercising their right to elect a government of their choosing. As members of Congress, we will not support any such measure.

We believe that the proper position of the U.S. Congress and government is one of neutrality and respect for El Salvador ’s independent democratic process, thus allowing the Salvadoran people to make a free choice of personal conscience, a choice which can only be done in the absence of coercion and threats.

We believe it is essential that the United States seize this quickly approaching opportunity to demonstrate that we will not seek to undermine democracy in El Salvador and Latin America . This is an invaluable, historic opportunity to make a clean break with the past and move with our neighbors into a relationship based on mutual respect.

No matter the results of El Salvador 's 2009 elections, we look forward to working with the Salvadoran people and their elected representatives to seek a future that holds peace and shared prosperity for both of our countries. We trust that your administration will join us in these efforts.

Sincerely,

New Report on Elections in El Salvador