El Salvador has undergone an unprecedented transformation under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, a former mayor of San Salvador who took office in 2019. Once notorious for its crime rate, governmental inefficiency, and corrupt justice system, El Salvador has caused waves with huge changes in its policies. The reforms initiated by Bukele have produced tangible results, earning him widespread popularity at home and sparking debates about the future of democracy abroad. His leadership not only contrasts sharply with the struggles of other democracies like the USA, India, and Bangladesh but also sets new expectations for governance globally.
Crime Reduction: A Drastic Change in El Salvador
The biggest change that occurred is the huge reduction and near extinction of heinous crimes, particularly gang violence, which had plagued the country for decades. In 2015, El Salvador had one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with 105 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18 dominated the streets, instilling fear in the population and perpetuating a cycle of violence and poverty.
When Bukele took office in June 2019, one of his first priorities was to tackle the issue of crime head-on. His government introduced the Territorial Control Plan, a complex approach that involved the deployment of military forces and the use of technology such as surveillance systems and facial recognition to monitor criminal activity. This aggressive crackdown on gangs, combined with a no-negotiation stance, quickly began to show results.
By 2023, El Salvador’s homicide rate had dropped to 7.8 per 100,000, a staggering 93% decrease from the 2015 peak. The country recorded zero homicides on multiple days throughout 2022, a feat unimaginable just a few years earlier. According to government statistics, over 72,000 individuals associated with gangs were arrested during Bukele’s presidency, many of whom had been part of networks controlling large swathes of territory.
Bukele’s methods, however, have raised concern among various human rights organizations. His government declared a state of emergency in March 2022 after a violent weekend saw 62 murders in one day. The state of emergency suspended certain constitutional rights, such as freedom of assembly and the right to legal defense, leading to widespread arrests. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticized these measures, arguing that they violated basic human rights. Despite this, Bukele’s crackdown on crime remains overwhelmingly popular among Salvadorans, with his approval rating consistently hovering around 85%.
Efficient Governance: Bukele’s Technocratic Approach
In addition to reducing crime, Bukele has worked to improve the efficiency of government operations. His administration has emphasized the use of technology to streamline services, reduce corruption, and enhance transparency. For example, Bukele introduced “Chivo Wallet”, a state-sponsored Bitcoin wallet, when El Salvador became the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as a legal tender in 2021. While the move was controversial and drew skepticism from international financial institutions, it was part of Bukele’s broader vision of modernizing the economy and reducing dependency on traditional financial systems.
Bukele’s government also embraced digital governance by simplifying bureaucratic procedures. The My Digital Government (MiGOB) platform was launched to facilitate access to government services, such as renewing passports, paying taxes, and processing business permits. The goal was to reduce corruption opportunities, streamline processes, and minimize face-to-face interactions, which are often riddled with inefficiency.
Despite these advancements, Bukele’s administration has faced criticism for its centralization of power. His party, Nuevas Ideas, won a supermajority in the Legislative Assembly in 2021, allowing Bukele to pass laws with little to no opposition. One controversial move involved the removal of five Supreme Court justices and the Attorney General, which critics argued undermined the independence of the judiciary. Nevertheless, Bukele defended these actions as necessary to reform a corrupt and ineffective justice system.
Comparison to the USA: Democracy vs. Efficiency
In many ways, Bukele’s leadership style contrasts sharply with that of the United States. While the USA prides itself on a system of checks and balances, the same system often results in political gridlock, especially when different branches of government are controlled by opposing parties. For example, the inability to pass comprehensive immigration reform or enact strong gun control laws has frustrated many Americans who feel that their government is out of touch with their needs.
Bukele, on the other hand, has taken a more authoritarian approach, cutting through bureaucracy to enact swift change. The success of his Territorial Control Plan and economic reforms has drawn comparisons to populist leaders worldwide who prioritize results over democratic processes. In a 2023 interview, Bukele pointed out the inefficiencies of American democracy, noting that despite its wealth and global influence, the U.S. struggles with many of the same issues that El Salvador has tackled, including violent crime.
While Bukele’s swift, results-oriented governance resonates with many in El Salvador, it also poses a challenge to the American democratic ideal. His efficiency has raised questions about the balance between democracy and effectiveness: Should leaders be granted more power to address crises swiftly, or should the rule of law and democratic institutions take precedence, even at the cost of efficiency?
Comparison to India: Crime, Corruption and Justice
India, the world’s largest democracy, presents a mirror to Bukele’s El Salvador in terms of governance and justice. In recent years, India has witnessed several crises that highlight its governance challenges.
One of the most tragic examples is the death of multiple UPSC aspirants due to administrative failures and corruption in public institutions. UPSC is a highly competitive exam, and many aspirants come from marginalized backgrounds. The lack of proper healthcare, poor infrastructure, poor academic support, poor mental health support, and the overwhelming burden of bureaucracy have crushed the hopes of many leading to suicides. In a recent case in July, 3 IAS aspirants died horrible deaths due to drowning in the basement of a coaching centre. This incident caused mass outrage yet no proper action has been taken yet.
Even more shocking is the heinous rape case that occurred in West Bengal. The RG Kar rape case as its known has shocked the nation due to its brutal nature. The College Principal, the police, and the State Government led by Mamta Banerjee are all being condemned for their actions in trying to brush the incident under the rug. There have been widespread protests and they have finally forced the Supreme Court to take Suo Moto Cognisance of the Case. The Supreme Court has condemned the West Bengal government for not taking measures to ensure justice. This case has highlighted the great issue of women’s safety in India which seems to only be getting worse as there has been a rise in rape cases.
Bukele’s methods have led some Indians to wonder if a more decisive leadership style could address the systemic problems plaguing their country. With corruption and crime rampant in India, Bukele’s model of governance, where transparency and justice are prioritized presents an alternative option that challenges India’s democratic structure.
Comparison with Bangladesh: Political Instability and Mass Killings
With the recent collapse and change of the Bangladesh government, there has been a total anarchy in the country. With rampant looting, killing, and lynching, minorities are being hit the worst. While the Interim Government claims to be working towards protecting law and order, it has been all talk. Reports from various news sources vary widely but one thing that's for certain is that hundreds have perished in the current turbulence and the Government has not been able to do anything.
The question arises as to whether the new government can handle the current volatile situation of the country. Many suggest that there is an urgent need for drastic measures which can mean going from a democratic approach to an authoritarian approach like Bukele.
Bukele’s Leadership: A Challenge to Global Democracies
Nayib Bukele’s success in El Salvador has profound implications for democracies worldwide. His ability to deliver results be it in crime reduction, economic reform, or government efficiency has set a high bar for governance. Citizens in countries like the USA, India, and Bangladesh, where governance is often slow and inefficient, are beginning to question whether their democratic systems truly serve their best interests.
However, Bukele’s leadership raises questions about the future of democracy. While his methods have brought about significant improvements, they often come at the expense of democratic principles such as checks and balances, judicial independence, and freedom of expression. The global appeal of Bukele’s efficiency-driven governance model challenges the traditional notion that democracy must be slow and deliberative to protect individual rights.
In conclusion, Nayib Bukele’s El Salvador presents a new paradigm for leadership in the 21st century. His success in reducing crime, streamlining government, and delivering justice has made him a popular figure both at home and abroad. However, his approach also poses a challenge to the democratic values that many countries hold dear. As the world watches, the question remains: Can democracies strike a balance between efficiency and freedom, or will leaders like Bukele reshape the future of governance?
Authored by:
Mr. Anmol Bansal
Researcher at The Geojuristoday
Edited By
Mr. Mridul Paul
Content & Research Head
Comments