El Salvador Expands Overseas Vote for Crucial 2027 Elections

El Salvador is gearing up for its 2027 general elections with significant changes aimed at increasing participation, particularly among its diaspora. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is expanding the availability of overseas voting, establishing more polling stations and enhancing international coverage to make it easier for Salvadorans living abroad to cast their ballots.

A key feature of the 2027 elections will be the inclusion of the presidential vote. This aligns with constitutional reforms ratified in July 2025, which shortened the current presidential term to conclude in 2027, thus synchronizing presidential, legislative, and municipal elections. These reforms also introduced indefinite presidential re-election and extended future presidential terms from five to six years, while eliminating the second round of voting.

The TSE plans to establish 92 voting centers in 29 countries, an increase of 11 centers compared to the 2024 elections, representing a nearly 14% growth. This expansion aims to improve access to voting and provide more efficient service to Salvadorans residing overseas. In the 2024 elections, over 331,000 votes were cast from abroad, underscoring the significant influence of this segment in the country's democratic process.

The United States will be the primary focus for overseas voting, hosting 53 of the 92 international centers (approximately 58%). California alone will have 10 centers, the highest number in any U.S. state, to reduce logistical hurdles for voters. Canada and Mexico will each have four centers, while Spain and Italy will have three, and Australia two. Other countries, including Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Chile, China, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, will each have one voting center.

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The expansion represents a growth of nearly 14% in the number of polling stations abroad. The electoral body's objective is to improve access to suffrage and offer more agile service to Salvadorans residing in other countries.