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Third Preliminary Report of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission in El Salvador

  March 5, 2024

The full Preliminary Report is available here.

The Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS), led by the former Vice President and former Foreign Minister of Panama, Isabel de Saint Malo, congratulates the Salvadoran people on the elections for the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) and the municipal councils held on Sunday, March 3.

The Mission notes that the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) implemented some recommendations made by the OAS, which resulted in a substantial improvement in the procedures for tallying and transmitting the vote, compared with the elections of February 4. It also emphasizes that the day of the election unfolded without violence, and recognizes the work done by the members of the polling stations, or JRVs (Juntas Receptoras de Votos).

The OAS/EOM laments the low electoral participation which all estimates placed under 30%.

The Mission comprised 30 persons of 14 nationalities, who observed the elections in El Salvador’s 14 departments. The Mission analyzed different aspects of the elections, such as electoral organization, electoral technology, electoral justice, and women’s political participation. Its specialists also followed up on the recommendations issued by past OAS missions.

The Mission arrived in the country in stages, commencing on February 23, 2024, and met with electoral authorities as well as representatives of political groupings and civil society organizations, to learn about the preparations for and their perspectives on the elections. Through its meetings, direct observation, and analysis of the relevant law and other documents, the Mission was able to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the electoral process.

PRE-ELECTION STAGE

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The full Preliminary Report is available here.

Reference: S-005/24