El Salvador: keep to the left

WHAT? Norman Quijano, the mayor of San Salvador, widely seen as moderate, efficient and honest, will be re elected in a landslide next March, making him the likely candidate of the Arena Party in 2014 presidential elections, according to recent polls – but could face a tough campaign.

WHY? Expelled from Arena in 2009 for misuse of public funds, ex President Tony Saca remains popular, and will run again, as head of the Gana Party.

WHAT NEXT? A split of the right-center vote between Quijano and Saca means that the left-trending FMLN could keep the country’s executive power, if it chooses a moderate candidate to succeed incumbent Mauricio Funes.

For more information, please contact Esteban Alvarez at ealvarez@cidgallup.com