Elections in El Salvador
I have been waiting until closer to the week to write about elections here. Even though they have been a very big part of my life since I have been here. For a good overview, check out the Post's evaluation: EL SALVADOR ELECTIONS
Here is my quick overview:
Why are elections here SO big?
El Salvador just (in the 80s) came out of a major civil war. The country is still very scarred from it. I know lots of families who had loved ones killed in the war- brothers, fathers, etc. It's still emotional. It makes me think about how the US must have been so soon after our own Civil War. The polarization must have been just as incredible as it is here. None of us knows anyone who died for their political views so its harder for us to understand but since I get firsthand accounts here, I feel a little more enlightened. Though, hardly as much as them. They only vote every 6 years so its a really big deal. And, as the Post says its the first time the left might win.
What is different about campaigning here than in the US?
EVERYTHING. Most average Democrats and Republicans don't have TONS of shirts, hats, hair bows, etc from their party. Here, its very common to see FMLN or ARENA flip-flops. I am not just talking the adults, I am really talking just about the kids. One little boy I eat dinner with regularly, can recite the whole campaign theme song of ARENA while marching around with an ARENA flag. Do the D's and R's even have songs? I have heard their theme songs more than the national anthem!
As the Post also says, the TV stations have been painting over each others signs...news to me. I thought only the locals did that. We have a bridge that you have to go on to get out of my town. Since, I have been here I have seen it painted differently at least 10 times. One week our plaza is Frente and the next I see ARENA taking it down and putting their own up. One campaign's regalia only last a few days--a week if its lucky. I share a backyard with the local Frente party office--I have seen ARENA posters being burned there after a hard day of taking down signs and putting others up....this is news to no one. It's expected. They go through so many cans of paint and glue and posters but its not expected to last. It's like a game of who can tear it down and put it up faster.
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Who will win?
My hands hurt from typing this much...umm..who knows. Its really anyones game as far as I can tell especially since cheating is a big part of elections. Many question what will happen if it comes down to a close vote...We'll see... Elections are this Sunday and we are all on lock down in our sites for 3 days before and after for safety reasons...violence is not rare in Latin American elections. I'll try to take pictures of the madness tho!
Here is my quick overview:
Why are elections here SO big?
El Salvador just (in the 80s) came out of a major civil war. The country is still very scarred from it. I know lots of families who had loved ones killed in the war- brothers, fathers, etc. It's still emotional. It makes me think about how the US must have been so soon after our own Civil War. The polarization must have been just as incredible as it is here. None of us knows anyone who died for their political views so its harder for us to understand but since I get firsthand accounts here, I feel a little more enlightened. Though, hardly as much as them. They only vote every 6 years so its a really big deal. And, as the Post says its the first time the left might win.
What is different about campaigning here than in the US?
EVERYTHING. Most average Democrats and Republicans don't have TONS of shirts, hats, hair bows, etc from their party. Here, its very common to see FMLN or ARENA flip-flops. I am not just talking the adults, I am really talking just about the kids. One little boy I eat dinner with regularly, can recite the whole campaign theme song of ARENA while marching around with an ARENA flag. Do the D's and R's even have songs? I have heard their theme songs more than the national anthem!
As the Post also says, the TV stations have been painting over each others signs...news to me. I thought only the locals did that. We have a bridge that you have to go on to get out of my town. Since, I have been here I have seen it painted differently at least 10 times. One week our plaza is Frente and the next I see ARENA taking it down and putting their own up. One campaign's regalia only last a few days--a week if its lucky. I share a backyard with the local Frente party office--I have seen ARENA posters being burned there after a hard day of taking down signs and putting others up....this is news to no one. It's expected. They go through so many cans of paint and glue and posters but its not expected to last. It's like a game of who can tear it down and put it up faster.
<<>>
Who will win?
My hands hurt from typing this much...umm..who knows. Its really anyones game as far as I can tell especially since cheating is a big part of elections. Many question what will happen if it comes down to a close vote...We'll see... Elections are this Sunday and we are all on lock down in our sites for 3 days before and after for safety reasons...violence is not rare in Latin American elections. I'll try to take pictures of the madness tho!
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