El Salvador: Legislative and municipal elections on March 4

Event

Legislative and municipal elections will be held throughout the country on Sunday, March 4. Up to 5.2 million Salvadorians could head to the polls to elect candidates for 84 seats in Congress and select mayors in 262 municipalities. At least 90 European Union observers will monitor the election.

Political rallies, protests, and related transportation disruptions are possible leading up to the vote. Political violence, for example assassinations of political candidates by local gangs, voter intimidation, and attacks against polling stations, cannot be ruled out.

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.

In addition, due to these extremely high crime rates, individuals present in El Salvador are advised to maintain a low profile (conceal signs of wealth), drive with windows closed and doors locked, and keep in mind that criminals may be armed (do not resist if confronted, and do not look your attacker directly in the eye).