David Ortez

Technology always seems to outpace moral, legal and ethical norms in a society and the Election in El Salvador is no exception. In an age where cell phones outnumber landlines, it is expected that someone will have a cell phone on their person.

In the United States, at least in Texas … it is illegal for anyone to photograph inside the voting center including an individual’s own voting ballot. Your vote is voided and you would face legal punishment for such trespass.

I am currently training to be an International Observer in the Presidential Election of El Salvador, which is taking place on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

This election is being followed by nations around the world for the historic importance it may bring to the small country of El Salvador which just 20 years ago was involved in a violent civil war.

The two main parties in El Salvador are ARENA and FMLN. The FMLN is the Leftist party (think Democrat in the U.S.) of the country that formed out of the guerilla that fought against the fascist dictatorship in the 80s. ARENA is the Right wing party (think Republicans in the U.S.) comprised of big business and special interest that has been in power since 1992.

The FMLN is leading by a small margin in the polls but is expected to pull an upset. ARENA on the other hand is not sitting back idle … they are implementing their muscle where they can flex it.