Info
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Users should be aware that data may be inaccurate. If you find inaccuracies please
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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: The country is divided in electoral constituencies corresponding to the existing administrative divisions. For presidential elections as well as for the elections of Central American Parliament’s deputies, the whole country territory forms a single constituency.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 10 & 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 10 & 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Existing administrative boundaries are used.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 10 & 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: Second round will take place within the following 30 days. Only the two political parties or coalitions that obtained the highest number of valid votes on the first round will participate.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 80, 150 & 154: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 216: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 80, 150 & 154: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 216: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The president is elected for a five-year term. Immediate re-election is not allowed.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 80, 150 & 154: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Legislative Assembly is composed of 84 deputies elected every 3 years and may be re-elected. The period of their functions shall begin on May 1 of the year of their election.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 121 & 124: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution 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 Law).
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 77–82, 269: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/ ;
Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos": https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/ ;
Law on Independent Candidates to Legislative Elections: “Decreto No. 555 — Disposiciones para la postulación de candidaturas no partidarias en las elecciones legislativas”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-postulacion-candidaturas-no-partidarias-2019/ ;
Law on Out of Country Voting: “Decreto No. 273 — Ley especial para el ejercicio del voto desde el exterior en las elecciones presidenciales”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-ley-especial-voto-exterior-2018/
Verified: 2024/12/19
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections e . Other
Comments: The Electoral Law also regulates the elections to the Central American Parliament.
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 2: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Voting is regarded as a civic duty, but no sanctions are imposed on non-voters.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 72 & 73: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 3: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has both administrative and judicial functions.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The Electoral Law also regulates the elections to the Central American Parliament.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 39, 63 (b & c), 64: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (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, which is included in the Annual General State Budget and is subject to the approval of the Legislative Assembly.
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 40, 42, 136 & 274: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Legislative Assembly is entitled to get to know, discuss and approve the Annual General Budget, and to receive periodic information regarding its application. The Republic's Court of Accounts oversees the execution of the budget.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 131 (36) & 195: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 64 (vii): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: For a term of five years.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 43: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is a body with full judicial, administrative and financial autonomy in electoral matters and therefore independent from any state agency.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, 40: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is composed of 5 members, who serve a five-year term.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 43: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
c . Combination of partisanship and expertise
Comments: For the three members nominated by political parties or coalitions who obtained the most votes in the last presidential election, it is required to be Salvadoran, over 30 years old, not belonging to a religious order, be honest and notorious and have been in full possession of his/her political rights in the five years preceding his/her election.
The two remaining members nominated by the Supreme Court shall be eligible to be judges of the courts of second instance and have no party affiliation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 43–45: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
f . Judiciary g . Political parties
Comments: Three members are selected by the three political parties or coalitions that obtained the highest number of votes in the last presidential election and the two remaining members are nominated by the Supreme Court.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 208: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 43–45: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 83: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 83: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 83: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 71: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: In order to exercise the right to vote, citizens should be included in the electoral roll. Each citizen must also obtain an ID card, which has to be shown at the moment of voting.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 71 & 77: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 5, 6, 8 & 9: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE).
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 77: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 14: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In order to exercise the right to vote, registration in the Electoral Roll is required.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 77: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 9: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement)
Comments: For a new party to be registered, first, a group of at least 100 citizens files a request to start the procedure of affiliation, and if granted, no less than 50,000 citizens must be affiliated.
Source: Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos", art. 6, 13: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 121.
Verified: 2009/07/05
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship e . Citizenship of parents j . Other
Comments: To be elected Deputy, one must be over twenty-five years old, Salvadoran by birth, child of a Salvadoran father or mother, of well-known integrity and education and must not have lost the rights of citizenship during the five years preceding the election.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 126: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 159 & 160: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber.
Source: C: 121.
Verified: 2009/07/05
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Independent candidates can run only for legislative elections. In this case, they have to submit 6000 - 12000 voters' signatures, depending on the size of the constituency in which they are running. They also have to deposit an amount equal to at least 25% of their estimated campaign budget.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 126: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Law on Independent Candidates to Legislative Elections: “Decreto No. 555 — Disposiciones para la postulación de candidaturas no partidarias en las elecciones legislativas”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-postulacion-candidaturas-no-partidarias-2019/
Verified: 2024/12/19
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: An amount is given to each contending party depending of the number of votes cast they obtained. In addition, state-owned media should provide with equal and free airtime to all political parties or coalitions.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 210: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos", art. 51–62: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: An amount is given to each contending party depending of the number of votes cast they obtained.
Source: Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos", art. 51–62: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Yes, but rules and restrictions apply. These include how much can be received from one donor, documentation of donations, no anonymous donors, and prohibited funding sources.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 210: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos", art. 63–68: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 238 and 239
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 238 and 239
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 200: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 123 and 126.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
a . Ballots b . Unused and spoiled ballots c . Counterfoils of used ballots d . Voter rolls e . Tendered ballots f . Certificate of result
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 254 and 255
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes e . Accompanied by election officials f . Accompanied by party representatives
Comments:
Source: Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
e . Court order
Comments: The Tribunal may order the recount of ballots in one or more polling stations in case, with the sum of the contested ballots, the final result of the vote of the municipality or department can change the winning political party or coalition.
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 215: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
c . Legislative formula or regulation
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 260
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
a . National Election Management body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 260
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 259
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 266
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
c . weeks:
Comments:
Source: Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
d . Based on mixture of principles (specify)
Comments: Half the total time is divided equally among all political parties. The other half is distributed according to how many representatives the party has in the Legislature. Parties running for the first time are allotted time equivalent to the shortest amount of time given.
Source: Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos", art. 61: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Debates International: El Salvador: https://www.debatesinternational.org/country/el-salvador/ ;
2014 Election Blog: Breaking Down El Salvador's First Presidential Debate:
http://www.as-coa.org/blogs/2014-election-blog-breaking-down-el-salvadors-first-presidential-debate (2014)
Verified: 2024/12/19
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: 15 days prior to the elections and until the results are declared.
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 176: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law does not set any restrictions in this regard.
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/ ;
Political Parties Act: "Decreto No. 307 — Ley de Partidos Políticos": https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 73 & 89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 73 & 89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 133: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1983 Constitution, updated to 2003 Reforms.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1983 Constitution, updated to 2003 Reforms.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source: 1983 Constitution, updated to 2003 Reforms.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
j . Other (specify)
Comments: Only considered for the project of the partial or full reconstruction of a Centroamerican Republic.
Source: C: 73 and 89.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: 1983 Cosntitution, updated to 2003 reforms.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: 1983 Cosntitution, updated to 2003 reforms.
Verified: 2007/09/26
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
b . Only other issues than constitutional changes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 89: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/
Verified: 2024/12/19
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Only Salvadorans residing overseas can vote by mail.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de El Salvador”, art. 82: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-constitucion-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 186, 195, 196: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
Verified: 2021/01/29
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Law on Out of Country Voting: “Decreto No. 273 — Ley especial para el ejercicio del voto desde el exterior en las elecciones presidenciales”, art. 1 & 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-ley-especial-voto-exterior-2018/
Verified: 2021/01/29
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Law on Out of Country Voting: “Decreto No. 273 — Ley especial para el ejercicio del voto desde el exterior en las elecciones presidenciales”, art. 4: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-ley-especial-voto-exterior-2018/
Verified: 2021/01/29
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 185: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/ ;
Verified: 2021/01/29
VO012
How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
The smallest polling station: 3 titular officials and 3 reserve officials.
The largest polling station: 6 titular officials and 6 reserve officials.
Average per polling station:
Source
No Source
Verified
2010/06/08
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