El Salvador
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
b. No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The current administrative divisions are used for electoral purposes. Each department makes up a multimember constituency.
Source: EL: 10.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:06:34 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
h. Not applicable
Comments: Existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used.
Source: EL: 10.
Last updated: Mon, 09 Dec 2002 09:20:10 GMT
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Carlos Navarro
b. Job Title: Director of Electoral Studies
c. Organisation: Federal Electoral Institute
d. Contact Address. Viaducto Tlalpan 100, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, 14610
e. Telephone: (5255) 5628-4234
f. Facsimile: (5255) 5655-7012
g. Email: cmnf99@ife.org.mx
Last updated: 2005-10-14 18:26:23 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Comments: Only considered for the project of the partial or full reconstruction of a Centroamerican Republic.
Source: C: 73 and 89.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:44:39 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Comments: a. 2003, with the last amendment to the Constitution. It is only considered for the project of the partial or full reconstruction of a Centroamerican Republic.
Source: Constitution: 73 and 89.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:46:13 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments: Only considered for the project of the partial or full reconstruction of a Centroamerican Republic.
Source: C: 73 and 89.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:45:38 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1983 Constitution, updated to 2003 Reforms.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:34:10 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1983 Constitution, updated to 2003 Reforms.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:33:08 UTC
DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No
Source: 1983 Constitution, updated to 2003 Reforms.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:37:15 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
j. Other (specify)
Comments: Only considered for the project of the partial or full reconstruction of a Centroamerican Republic.
Source: C: 73 and 89.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:46:13 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Source: 1983 Cosntitution, updated to 2003 reforms.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:40:39 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Source: 1983 Cosntitution, updated to 2003 reforms.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:41:29 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:23:54 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Tribunal Supremo Electoral (Supreme Electoral Tribunal, TSE)
b. Full Address 15 Calle Poniente, No. 4223, Col. Escalón; San Salvador
c. Telephone (503) 2263 4641
d. Facsimile (503) 2263 4643
e. Email info@tse.gob.sv
f. Website Address www.tse.gob.sv
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Walter René Araujo, Magistrate President
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Spanish
Source: Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:02:35 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
d. Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: d. It is also responsible for the elections to the Central American Parliament.
Source: EL: 2.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 14:56:10 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Comments: The TSE is subject to a special regime with regard to the planning, coordination, and application of its budget. The TSE drafts its own budget proposal, but it is subject to the approval of the Legislative Assembly.
Source: EL: 58 and 326.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:02:08 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
c. The legislature
Comments: The Legislative Assembly is entitled to get to know, discuss, and approve the Annual Law of General Budget of the Republic, and to receive periodic information regarding its application.
Source: C: 131 and 227.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:03:43 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: For a term of five (5) years. The five members of the TSE are elected by the Legislative Assembly to be in office for five years. Three of them are elected from among the proposals of the three parties or coalitions with the largest share of votes in the latest presidential election, and the other two from proposals submitted by the Supreme Court of Justice.
Source: C: 208. EL: 59.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:19:35 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: Amount: 71.3 million colones (8.1 million USD)
Comments: 8 100 000 USD (71.3 million colones)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:19:35 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: amount: 2,979,484
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:19:35 UTC
EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 23.90
b. Exchange rate used 8.70 colones per 1 USD
Last updated: 2007-09-25 15:38:01 UTC
EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?
a. Voter registration and preparation of voter lists 20%
b. Election Management Body administration 15%
c. Staff/Equipment/Supplies 20%
d. Security 5%
e. Official funding of parties and candidates 10%
f. Voter education 10%
g. Materials/systems for and operation of voting stations and ballot counts 5%
h. Challenges, dispute resolution and legal costs 2%
i. Polling operations 3%
j. Vote tabulation 5%
k. Other 5%
Last updated: 2007-09-25 15:38:01 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
Last updated: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 17:05:28 GMT
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
b. Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Runoff between the two candidates who obtained the most votes thirty days after the first round. The presidential period lasts for five years. Immediate reelection is not permitted.
Source: C: 80, 152 and 154. EL: 226.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 14:42:54 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: President Elías Antonio SACA GONZALEZ, 1 June 2004 - 31 May 2009.
Source: Communications Secretary of the Presidency
Last updated: 2007-09-25 17:57:55 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber
Comments: Those elected to conform it begin their duties on May 1st of the year on which the elections took place.
Source: C: 121 and 124.
Last updated: 2007-09-24 18:17:10 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: The Legislative Assembly is made up of 84 deputies, elected every 3 years. Immediate reelection is permitted. Twenty deputies, different from the previous 84, are elected for a five year term to the Centroamerican Parliament on the basis of a single national constituency. The multimember constituencies are defined according to the political division of the country into fourteen departments.
Source: C: 79 and 124. EL: 11 and 13.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 14:42:54 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable *
Last updated: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 17:37:26 GMT
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
b. Separate legislation
Comments: The basic provisions about the electoral regime are embodied in the Constitution, but a separate and specific legislation details all aspects related to the preparation, organization and running of elections, including the legal regime of political parties (Electoral Code).
Source: Constitution: 209 and 210.
Last updated: 2007-09-25 18:01:11 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
e. Other
Comments: e. The Electoral Code also covers the elections to the Central American Parliament.
Source: EL: 2.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 14:43:56 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
e. Other
Comments: Voting is regarded as a civic duty, but no sanctions are imposed on non-voters.
Source: EL: 3.
Last updated: Tue, 01 Oct 2002 19:09:30 GMT
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: a) Applies to free broadcast time.
Source: EL: 229. International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"
Last updated: 2007-09-26 19:09:43 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
b. The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising X
Comments: The law does not specify any limits on paid advertising.
Source: International IDEA research, February 2007
Last updated: 2007-02-13 13:52:13 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2007-01-17 08:44:32 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
f. Other
Comments: The law takes into account two moments or stages to make up a new party: one for integration and one for registration. The purpose of the first stage is to request authorization from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to carry out activities of proselytism for 60 days that will allow the party to gather the necessary amount of signatures for registration. Then the representatives submit their affiliation book to the TSE, which revises and verifies the signatures. If the party complies with the necessary amount of signatures, then the representatives submit a registration application along with a certified act of the session in which the party approved its declaration of principles and its charter, as well as its name, colors, and symbol. In order to be registered, a party needs to submit a number of signatures equivalent to 3% of the votes that were cast in the previous presidential election.
Source: EL: 150 to 167.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:32:49 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 121.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:35:09 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
e. Citizenship of parents
f. Registration
h. Minimum level of education
Source: C: 126. EL: 214.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:40:52 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 121.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:35:39 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
a. Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Source: C: 151. EL: 206 and 216.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:40:52 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: EL: 187 and 188. International IDEA (2004) "A Challenge for Democracy; Political Parties in Central America, Panama and the Dominican Republic"
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:40:52 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
Comments: The parties receive a certain amount for each vote obtained in national and local elections (including those to the Central American Parliament). The amount increases in each election based on inflation and there is no performance threshold or requirement to receive public financing. Besides, the parties especially the new ones- may benefit from a financing down payment system, that is, the possibility of receiving the funds at the beginning of the electoral process. They may also resort to an installment system to reimburse the exceeding financing in a term of up to five years, without paying any interest.
Source: EL: 187 to 193.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:40:52 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties listed)
d. Categorical (only one mark allowed)
f. Same ballot papers used nationwide
h. Party symbols in color
n. Random listing (lottery)
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station official
Source: Electoral Law 238 and 239
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 20:02:02 GMT
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
a. Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed)
d. Categorical (only possible to make one mark)
f. Same ballot papers used nation-wide
h. Party symbols in color
n. Random listing (lottery)
o. Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials
Source: Electoral Law 238 and 239
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Electoral Law 253
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
f. Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud
l. Counted by hand
p. Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents
Source: Electoral Law 123 and 126.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:42:19 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
e. National level
Comments: All electoral documentation, including the results certificates, is physically transported to the corresponding sub-district offices (municipal). The Electoral Management Bodies at the municipal level count the votes received at the polling stations under their jurisdiction and immediately send a report (by phone, fax or other means available) to the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), who centralize all the information in order to carry out the final counting.
Source: Electoral Law 257
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
c. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
d. National level
Comments: The National Assembly seats are allocated at two levels: 20 seats at the national level and 64 seats in 14 multimember constituencies that match the political division of the country into departments.
Source: Electoral Law 11
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
b. By telephone
c. By fax
d. Telex/Telegraph
Comments: The results are physically transported from the voting stations to the municipal offices of the EMB. Once they are there, they are communicated by telephone, telex, telegraph, or any other means available to the center specified by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE).
Source: Electoral Law 255 and 257.
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
b. Unused and spoiled ballots
c. Counterfoils of used ballots
d. Voter rolls
e. Tendered ballots
f. Certificate of result
Source: Electoral Law 254 and 255
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
e. Accompanied by election officials
f. Accompanied by party representatives
Source: Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
c. Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
Source: Electoral Law 260
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
c. Legislative formula or regulation
Source: Electoral Law 260
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:42:19 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 23:11:52 GMT
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
a. National Election Management body
Source: Electoral Law 260
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes
Source: Electoral Law 259
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:42:19 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 2
Comments: The law sets forth that the TSE shall disclose the outcome of elections through any possible means before the final tallying of the votes, that is, 48 hours after the closing of the election. The preliminary results are publicly displayed (via internet and the media center) since the moment that the national center receives the results of the first polling station (approximately two hours after closing) and are provided and updated on a regular basis until the results of the vast majority of the polling stations are received.
Source: Electoral Law 259
Last updated: 2006-04-12 22:43:47 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
Source: EL: 99.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:07:17 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Source: Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:07:52 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: EL: 241 and 249.
Last updated: 2007-09-25 16:50:37 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Last updated: Mon, 15 Jul 2002 19:46:30 GMT
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Outside the country voting is not permitted.
Last updated: Fri, 06 Dec 2002 16:25:51 GMT
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 400 voters per polling station.
Last updated: 2007-09-25 16:50:37 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: EL: 238 and 250.
Last updated: 2007-09-25 18:24:20 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 3 titular officials and 3 reserve officials.
b. The largest polling station: 6 titular officials and 6 reserve officials.
Last updated: 2007-09-25 16:50:37 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Source: C: 71.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:20:26 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: a. In order to exercise the right to vote, citizens should be included in the electoral register and must obtain their "voter card". The register and the card are prepared by the TSE. e. The State of El Salvador is currently compiling a national register of identity. Every citizen shall receive a single identity document. In the near future, this single document shall substitute the voter card as a valid identification to cast a vote.
Source: C: 71. EL: 5 and 6.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:20:26 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
Source: EL: 19.
Last updated: 2007-09-26 15:19:35 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:20 AM
