By P Mohan Chandran
Is it possible for a leader to dismantle the very foundations of democracy and still be hailed as a hero? Can a nation's desperate cry for safety blind them to the erosion of their freedoms? Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez, the charismatic 43rd president of El Salvador, stands as a testament to this paradox, painting a picture of a leader who has discovered the art of being both loved and feared.
In the heart of Central America, Bukele has crafted a narrative that would make any autocrat envious. With an astonishing approval rating hovering between 80-90%, he seems to have tapped into the very psyche of the Salvadorean people. But what is the price of such adoration?
1. The Social Media Maestro: Bukele's mastery over the digital realm is undeniable. He understands the pulse of the people and uses social media as a tool to both inform and influence, crafting a narrative that resonates with many.
2. The Iron Fist: Since the state of emergency's inception in March, a staggering 71,000 individuals, equivalent to 7% of male Salvadoreans aged 14-29, have been arrested. The criteria? A mere tattoo or an anonymous tip. The promise of a fair trial remains elusive, with many subjected to cursory hearings, often en masse.
3. The Crime Crusader: Bukele's most significant claim to fame is the dramatic reduction in the homicide rate, which plummeted from 51 per 100,000 in 2018 to a mere eight last year. While the exact contribution of Bukele's policies to this decline is debated, the streets' relative calmness is undeniable.
4. The Autocrat's Playbook: Bukele's approach to governance is eerily reminiscent of autocrats from history. From purging dissenting judges to manipulating election rules, he has systematically chipped away at the checks and balances that once held him accountable.
5. The Media's Muzzle: A new law threatens journalists with jail terms for reporting critically on crime policy, a blatant attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissent.
6. The Third Term Temptation: Despite constitutional barriers, whispers suggest Bukele might be eyeing a third term, a move that would further cement his grip on power.
As Bukele's influence grows, so does his reputation. Dubbed the "world’s coolest dictator," he has become a beacon for other nations grappling with crime and weak institutions. From Honduras to Ecuador, leaders are taking notes, potentially heralding a new wave of autocracy in regions desperate for stability.
But here lies the crux: At what cost does this stability come? Is the allure of safer streets worth the erosion of democratic values? And as El Salvador stands on the precipice of re-electing Bukele, one must wonder: If the day comes when they yearn for the freedoms once taken for granted, will they be able to reclaim them? Or will the legacy of Nayib Bukele be one of irreversible damage to the democratic fabric of a nation?
Do you agree that dictators like Nayib Bukele can provide stability in governance?
A. Yes, stable leadership can even come from dictators.
B. No, dictators can never give a stable government.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
24072023
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