Ex-rebel commander wins presidential poll
El Salvador’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal declared former rebel Salvador Sanchez Ceren as the new president of the deeply divided central American country.
According to the electoral tribunal, Mr. Ceren won 50.11 percent of the vote while his close opponent Norman Quijano, a conservative, received 49.98 percent.
Amid serious opposition and doubts of Ceren’s victory as claimed by the opposition group, the country’s electoral tribunal declared Mr. Ceren as the legitimate new leader of El Salvador.
President Ceren Calls for unity
Affirming that the country is still traumatized by civil war and division, Mr. Ceren pledges to work to unite the country.
He called for his countrymen to build together a more inclusive, more developed country.
A victory rally is scheduled for Saturday night in the capital San Salvador.
Sanchez Ceren is set to be sworn in June 1.
US Congratulates Salvador Sanchez Ceren
In his remarks in Washington Dc, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the US congratulates Salvador Sanchez Ceren on his election as president.
Secretary Kerry also praised the Salvadoran people for their participation in a process that the OAS election observer mission called calm and orderly.
“We recognize that there are pending legal matters, and we urge continued respect for the legal processes and institutions of El Salvador.” – Secretary Kerry
He stressed that the United States looks forward to working with President Salvador Sanchez Ceren and to continuing joint efforts to promote security and economic development through the Partnership for Growth.
“Our longstanding partnership and commitment to El Salvador and the Salvadoran people continues.” – Secretary Kerry
US and Salvador enjoy a close and strong relationship. The US government is helping the country in strengthening democratic democratic institutions, rule of law, judicial reform, and civilian police. El Salvador is a strong supporter in the fight against terrorism.
US ties to El Salvador is growing. In fact, more than 19,000 American citizens live and work in El Salvador.
