El Salvador 2027 election preparations

In preparation for the February 28, 2027, elections, El Salvador’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) reported that the electoral registry reached 6,517,342 citizens as of July 15, 2026. This includes 5,544,825 citizens within the national territory and 972,517 living abroad, representing an increase of 231,423 overseas voters compared to the 2024 cycle. Registration remains open until November 29, 2026, with a domestic address update deadline of August 27, 2026. For those abroad, updated information will link to an electronic internet voting process starting January 30, 2027.

The upcoming general elections will simultaneously elect the president, legislative deputies, and municipal authorities. Following 2025 constitutional reforms, the process will feature six-year presidential terms, the elimination of second-round runoffs, and the enablement of consecutive presidential re-election. President Nayib Bukele, running with Vice President Félix Ulloa under the Nuevas Ideas banner, is a leading figure, facing opposition candidates Mayteé Iraheta (ARENA) and Dr. Rafael Aguirre (FMLN).

To accommodate the electorate, the TSE is expanding overseas voting centers to 92 locations across 29 countries, a 14% increase from 2024. The United States will host 53 centers (58.5% of the total), with California containing 10. Other locations include four centers each in Canada and Mexico, three each in Spain and Italy, and two in Australia. Remaining centers will be distributed across 23 other countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Dominican Republic.