Palestinian-origin candidate clinches Salvadoran presidency victory

The Rise of a Palestine-Descended Leader: Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's New President

Winning the presidential election of El Salvador with a significant margin, Nayib Bukele, a candidate of Palestinian origin, clinched over 50% of the votes, securing a majority that prevented a runoff election.

According to the country's official electoral board, preliminary results (with nearly 90% of ballots counted) reveal that Bukele, aged 37, secured approximately 54% of the vote. Carlos Callejas from the Nationalist Republican Alliance, Hugo Martinez from the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, and businessman Josue Alvarado garnered around 32%, 14%, and less than 1% of the votes respectively.

As the candidate for the center-right Grand Alliance for National Unity (GANA), Bukele's election victory has brought a fresh face to El Salvador's political landscape.

A Controversial New Leader

From Business to Politics

Nayib Bukele, born in San Salvador, hails from a family with a rich ethnic and religious tapestry. His paternal grandparents were Palestinian Christians, immigrating to Central America from Jerusalem and Bethlehem at the beginning of the 20th century. His father, Armando Bukele Kattán, a successful businessman who embraced Islam and became an influential imam, and his mother, Olga Marina Ortez, a Catholic, raised Bukele.

Bukele pursued a career in business and advertising before venturing into politics. Joining the FMLN party, he eventually became the mayor of San Salvador's southern Nuevo Cuscatlan municipality in 2012 and then the mayor of San Salvador three years later, capturing the public's imagination with his unconventional leadership style.

Bukele's election campaign focused on combating corruption and curbing gang violence, themes that resonated strongly with El Salvador's populace.

Global Attention and Criticism

In February 2018, Bukele's visit to Israel and meeting with then-Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, as well as his laying of a memorial wreath at Yad Vashem and praying at the Buraq Wall (Western Wall), attracted attention worldwide.

Bukele's controversial yet popular leadership style, characterized by his authoritarian leanings, has drawn broad criticism. His partnering with former U.S. President Donald Trump on deportation policies has drawn him into the U.S. media spotlight, while his stance on international relations, including his approach to Israel, showcases the complexity of his views.

Bukele's Faith – A Unique Blend

Despite his unique heritage and the religious diversity of his family, Bukele identifies as a believer in God but not strictly bound to any one faith. He respects both Christianity and Islam, reflecting his multicultural background. Visiting both churches and mosques, Bukele stands as an intriguing figure in a world governed by polarized religious views.

Global news outlets have reported on Nayib Bukele, a Palestine-descended leader, who won the presidential election of El Salvador.
His victorious election, securing over 50% of the votes, is an unusual occurrence in El Salvador's electoral history.
Bukele's political career began with unconventional leadership as the mayor of San Salvador's Nuevo Cuscatlan municipality.
Despite his diverse religious background, featuring Palestinian Christian and Islamic influences, Bukele identifies as a believer in God, maintaining a respect for both Christianity and Islam.
UN reports have linked migration patterns to war-and-conflicts in Syria and other countries, suggesting that political instability could have a profound impact on future elections.
Critics question Bukele's controversial leadership style, described as authoritarian, which has drawn attention from general news outlets covering crime and justice.
The future of Israel's relationship with Palestine may be influenced by Bukele's decision-making due to his Palestine-descended heritage.
Bukele's election victory has formed a political alliance with implications for the country's approach to migration and foreign relations.
Official reports have suggested that President Bukele might draw on war-and-conflicts experiences in Syria and other countries to shape his administration's strategy on refugee and migration issues.