El Salvador: Increased security measures ahead of elections March 4 /update 2

Event

Increased security measures are to be implemented in El Salvador ahead of legislative and municipal elections scheduled Sunday, March 4. Military personnel and some 23,000 police officers are expected to secure some 1595 polling sites and facilitate the movement of traffic in the country on Sunday. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected in the coming days in advance of the elections, particularly near polling stations. Political violence - including assassinations of political candidates by local gangs, voter intimidation, and attacks against polling stations - is also possible.

Context

Up to 5.2 million Salvadorians could head to the polls on March 4 to elect candidates for 84 seats in Congress and select mayors in 262 municipalities. Visitors should note that foreign nationals are prohibited by law from engaging in political activities, including attending political rallies or protests.

In accordance with the so-called Ley Seca (dry law), individuals in the country are banned from purchasing and drinking alcoholic beverages from March 3 through March 6, in a bid to lower the risk of clashes between supporters of rival political parties, notably at polling stations. Individuals who violate this regulation are subject to arrest and fines.

Advice

Individuals in El Salvador are advised to strictly avoid all protests and rallies, as well as polling stations, and to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate.