Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad

2009 Election Observer Delegation

Sensuntapeque, El Salvador

Delegation leader – David Applegate
Members – Mike Johanson, Nancy Mott, Tom Mott, Linda Erickson, Warren Erickson

Our delegation was assigned to the community of Sensuntepeque, Departmento Cubanas, El Salvador.

Our preparation for the work of observing the Mayoral and Legislative elections in El Salvador on January 18, 2009 began with classes about the country’s history, culture, current economic, social and political situations.

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 After a welcoming and brief introductory meeting, those present were taken to one of the hotels where the TSE (Supreme Electoral Tribunal – the governing body for the elections) processed our applications and awarded us credentials as Visiting International Observers. The process was completed efficiently and quickly.

Classes began the Monday prior to the elections.

The afternoon provided opportunities to start acquainting ourselves with the recent history of El Salvador with visits to the home of assasinated Archbishop Romero or the Monument to the War Victims at Cuscatlan Park.

After a dinner for the entire delegation, the formal welcome was given by Leslie Schuld with an overview of the nature of the observer program and safety considerations discussed.

Our next day began with a presentation by personel from the Institute for Public Opinion at the Jesuit University. The results of polls taken during the last 2 years were displayed and attitudes toward the political parties, the social, economic and political issues on the minds of the citizens were discussed.

One intriguing poll question asked, “Which party, ARENA or FMLN would benefit more as a result of the win of Barack Obama in the United States?”    

During the afternoon many people had the opportunity to visit with their country’s embassy and have a discussion with the personnel.         (Sorry but no photos were permitted.  Security is – and always has been high.)  For those who weren’t able to visit an Embassy there were trips to the Election Vigilance Board or Fair-Trade shopping.

That evening we sampled Salvadoran culture with music and food. We were taken to Planes de Rendero for Salvadoran pupusa’s and music by 4 musicians who sang and played stringed instruments. There were terrific views of the city on the way up and on the return trip.             

     The observer program provides a rich sampling of Salvadoran culture with food and music.

On Wednesday people were free to choose from several offerings. Micro-enterprises and youth scholarship programs, a visit to Cinquera and a hike through the Bosque, a visit to a coffee and artisania cooperative, a discussion of Fair-trade vs. Free trade or a visit to the Human Rights office of the Catholic Church. The one that peaked my imagination was a visit to two communities, each governed by a different political party.

The first was to Antiguo Cuscutlan and the office of Mayor Milagro Navas who has won this office seven times as an ARENA candidate.

 Our second visit was to Suchitoto and the office of Mayor Javier Martinez who ran as an FMLN candidate.

He also was impressive and displayed charts that highlighted the work his administration is been doing on behalf of the people of his community.

I found myself considering – both of these city officials are working hard on behalf of the folks in their community. Why does there seem to be such animosity between the parties? Why such demonizing of the opponent? When good hearted, hard working people, work for the well being of all the people there really isn’t much difference between the parties. Perhaps it’s the party purists who demand strict adherence to principle who generates the divide.

This was a rich day in the orientation of observers.

To rest and reflect on what we had heard we spent some time in the beautiful Jardin Botanico La Laguna in Antigua Cuscutlan followed by lunch and some time enjoying a Salvadoran mercado

Thursday was devoted to intense training of the voting process.

We were taught about the DUI’.s (Unique Identity Document) and the Register and the assignments of the various people working the voting tables, as well as the role of the other officials.

And finally we were given instructions as to the role we were to play as Invited International Observers.

To help us understand this procedure, role-playing displayed the specific protocol for casting and counting the votes as well as things that we should be alert that might be improperly done.

We then divided into our specific groups and headed for the community we would be observing.  In those communities we had opportunities to meet and visit with people who are involved in youth programs, education, small business and artisan programs.

A youth run Radio Station in Victoria was one of the highlights of this day’s programs.

These meetings were coordinated by our group leaders prior to our arrival and gave the observers a more complete view of life in El Salvador and the challenges the people face who live here.

A word about our group leaders; all were very proficient in Spanish and able to translate our questions and their answers effectively.

In addition to helping with the language they also were knowledgeable about the people we were meeting in the community and did a splendid job of making introductions so everyone felt as if they were on friendly ground with the local people who were sharing information with us.

I want to thank especially our group leader Dave for taking such good care of us. Asking, during the observation day, if we needed anything, a rest, food or water or a bathroom break. Several times during the day Dave asked me if I was doing ok. I appreciated his attention and concern.  That kind of care doesn’t necessarily come naturally with young people so I want to compliment those who did the training of our leaders. You did a splendid job of recruiting and training.

We had an opportunity to acquaint ourselves with the location of the voting center the day before the election. A center bandstand for special events and a pretty garden area were some of the most attractive features. It is a beautiful park in the center of town that displays a community that is proud of itself.

As we did our walk around the site where votes would be caste the next day some local musicians entertained us. It was a very welcoming community.

The chief of the police welcomed us and told us about the role the police would play during the election and the count.  He answered our questions about access to the voting center and about issues that had arisen during past elections.  He seemed well prepared and very professional.  I would add that during the election all of the police that I observed conducted themselves to a high standard.  They were a quiet presence that ensured the peacefulness of this important day in the life of the Salvadoran people.