Miss Universe Event

Amid preparations for the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele aims to reshape the country’s image. The event, a spectacle designed to divert attention from Bukele’s crackdown on gangs and alleged human rights abuses, comes just ahead of the February presidential election.

Bukele, who seeks reelection despite constitutional term limits, has faced criticism for eroding democratic checks and balances. His aggressive tactics include suspending constitutional rights and detaining over 72,000 individuals linked to gangs without due process. Journalists, human rights groups, and other critical voices have also been targeted.

While Bukele’s tough stance on gangs has garnered support, concerns about human rights abuses persist. The U.S. State Department highlighted “significant human rights issues” in a 2022 report, and petitions seeking to annul Bukele’s reelection bid have been filed.

The president, known for bold spectacles, has used events like the Miss Universe pageant, international surfing competitions, and sports events to divert attention from controversy—a strategy known as “sportswashing.” Critics argue that such spectacles contribute to a decline in democracy.

As Bukele faces backlash, social media is flooded with Miss Universe-related content, overshadowing criticism. The event symbolizes Bukele’s efforts to present El Salvador as a safe and changing nation. However, protests from rights groups and critics highlight concerns over democracy and the prioritization of image over fundamental principles.

In the delicate balance between rebuilding national identity and safeguarding democracy, the question arises: Is the spotlight on El Salvador a net positive or a compromise of essential democratic values?

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Republic TV English