Key facts
- El Salvador's opposition parties have named Maytee Iraheta and Rafael Aguirre as candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
- Iraheta is a former lawmaker representing the right-wing ARENA party.
- Aguirre is a doctor and union leader from the left-wing FMLN party.
- President Nayib Bukele is running for re-election to a third term.
- The presidential election date was moved from 2029 to 2027.
- Constitutional amendments have abolished presidential term limits and extended term lengths to six years.
El Salvador's opposition parties have put forward Maytee Iraheta, a former lawmaker, and Dr. Rafael Aguirre, a union leader, as their candidates to challenge incumbent President Nayib Bukele in the 2027 presidential election. Iraheta announced her candidacy for the right-wing ARENA party, while the left-wing FMLN revealed Aguirre's candidacy.
Presidential elections are scheduled for February 28, 2027. In July 2025, the Legislative Assembly voted to advance the election date from 2029 to 2027 and approved constitutional amendments that abolish presidential term limits and extend term lengths from five to six years. Bukele, of the Nuevas Ideas party, is seeking re-election to a third term. His administration has been characterized by a nationwide gang crackdown, resulting in over 84,200 arrests, and has been described as authoritarian, though he maintains high approval ratings.
The political climate has led to an exodus of journalists, lawyers, academics, and human rights activists, with over 100 political exiles fleeing the country in recent months due to fears of detention and repression.