Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) took a break from politics in Somalia on Wednesday, calling on the Biden administration to intervene in El Salvador’s internal affairs ahead of the national election.
El Salvador’s hugely popular president expressed gratitude to radical lawmakers who were spared his support ahead of a possible re-election on Sunday. President Nayib Bukele flipped the script on Omar and other alarmists after showing exactly what her “attack” meant to him.
“Threat to democracy” supported by 90% of voters
Bukele, 42, has transformed El Salvador from a bloody gangland into a country with the second lowest murder rate in the Americas. All within a five year period.
there were 51 murders per 100,000 people In 2018, the year before Bukele’s first election. Under his leadership, the homicide rate fell to his 7.8 in 2022, and the number of homicides in El Salvador decreased that year (495) was larger than that reported in Chicago during the same period (695).According to reports, El Salvador’s murder rate last year was 2.4 per 100,000 people.
To achieve this objective, the Bukele government took extreme measures.
surely They are overstepping and suppressing some civil rights. His government also reportedly More than 2% of the adult population is incarcerated in prison, most of whom are believed to be suspected or known gang members.
Mr Bukele’s crackdown on crime, selective suspension of civil liberties and warrantless arrests have drawn disgust from both Democrats and liberal publications – The Economist Said He intended to become “Latin America’s first millennial dictator.” However, his ability to bring relative peace to El Salvador also won him the support of his countrymen.
according to According to Reuters, Bukele’s approval rating hovers around 90%.South China Morning Post shown A January 2024 poll by the Central American University Institute of Public Opinion showed that 82% of voters supported Bukele. in contrast, Latest Economist/YouGov poll President Joe Biden’s disapproval rating is estimated at 54%.
Tyler Mathias, Americas researcher at Human Rights Watch, characterized Bukele as “one of the greatest risks to human rights and democracy currently seen in Latin America,” but said he believes the president recognizes his effectiveness. He admitted that it is popular because of the fact that it is
“Bukele is incredibly popular,” Matias said. “Across Latin America, we see more and more people supporting this kind of authoritarian populism because they believe it is the only way to deal with rising levels of violence.”
Bukele’s approach may appeal to countries that have observed the complete failure of left-wing Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador.A hug, not a bullet” Approach.
Omar gets dragged into another foreign election
Days after endorsing Saeed Abdullahi Deni, leader of Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland, for re-election, Representative Ilhan Omar led other left-wing Democrats in calling on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to “promote democracy and human rights in El Salvador.” We called on them to address this ongoing threat.” ”
“President Boucle is consolidating his power and establishing authoritarian rule in El Salvador. Lawmakers urge the State Department to review its relationship with El Salvador and use U.S. diplomatic influence to protect democratic values.” I am asking you to do so.”
Said A statement accompanying the letter.
In recent weeks, Democrats and liberal media have increasingly conflated democracy and its health with what they consider a favorable election outcome.
“During his first term, President Bukele has also overseen military harassment of Congress, serious violations of judicial independence, and serious erosion of judicial independence.
de facto “This is the criminalization of civil society. Much of this persecution was carried out with the active complicity of El Salvador’s judicial system,” the letter said.
Although Omar’s letter suggested that “it is not the role of the U.S. government to determine who is eligible to run for president in a foreign country or to choose a winner,” she still believes that the U.S. He suggested relying on El Salvador ahead of El Salvador. election.
The letter tells Blinken:
- “Limit security assistance and other assistance to El Salvador’s police and military.”
- Restructuring aid mechanisms to secure funding directly to NGOs and “Salvadoran civil society” rather than through intermediaries.
- Bukele slams legal mechanisms that have curbed gang violence.and
- It sends “a clear message about the importance of respecting the Constitution and democratic norms.”
“The State Department must reevaluate its relationship with El Salvador and defend democratic values,” Omar added. “The people of El Salvador have the right to free and fair elections without fear of repression.”
The lawmaker’s post was quickly countered by a community note stressing that Bukele was democratically elected in 2019 with a clear majority. His party secured a majority in the Legislative Assembly. and””the president can be re-elected In El Salvador, if he has not been in charge during the six months prior to his appointment. ”
Bukele thanks Omar
Bukele responded to Omar on Wednesday’s X.
write“It’s an honor to be attacked by you just days before the election.”
“If I had your support, I would be very concerned,” Bukele added. “thank you.”
Bukele not only retweeted Omar’s post, ostensibly as a badge of honor, but also reversed Omar’s criticism, writing, “I believe America should have free and fair elections.”
El Salvador’s president continued to troll Omar and share critical opinions
comment “Democrats are calling for intervention in El Salvador’s elections to ensure they are ‘clean’.” The joke speaks for itself. ”
Bukele also shared a comment.
Says“Given recent history, perhaps [Bukele] Some El Salvadoran election officials may be sent to the United States to ensure free and fair elections. ”
Milena Mayorga, Ambassador of El Salvador to the United States,
Added“So they say they won’t interfere in our elections.”
Soon, others gathered to mock Omar and celebrate Bukele’s response.
Former Congresswoman Mayra Flores Vallejo (R-Texas)
I have written“We need more presidents like this.” [Bukele] In the world. @Ilhan does not represent America. She has no love or respect for our country. ”
Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Florida)
I got it. Bukele said: “He is bringing peace and prosperity to El Salvador. He is doing a great job of removing violent cartel thugs from the streets and fighting for his people!”
Roger Kimball, editor and publisher of New Criterion;
I felt stressed “Along with Javier Millei, he is the most impressive leader in the Western Hemisphere,” Bukele said.
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