The TSE recalls the importance of the principle of neutrality of the State Powers in the middle of the electoral days. | Photo: EFE

San Salvador, February 28 (RHC)-- The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of El Salvador ordered this Sunday the initiation of an electoral sanctioning procedure against the nation's president, Nayib Bukele, for violating Article 175 of the Electoral Code.

"The basis for the initiation of the procedure is the fact of public notoriety consisting of the convening and holding of a press conference by the President of the Republic, Nayib Bukele, on February 28, 2021 -- the date on which the electoral event to elect deputies to the Legislative Assembly, Central American Parliament and members of Municipal Councils is taking place," the TSE communiqué states. 

According to the Electoral Body of the Central American country, the head of state violated Article 175 by incurring in publicity in the middle of the elections.  "It is forbidden to carry out electoral propaganda during the three days prior to the election and on the day of the election itself," adds the statement.

The TSE recalls the importance of the principle of neutrality of the powers of the State in the midst of election days.  "The public relations activities of the organs of the State cannot involve actions that have the purpose of inducing citizens to vote in favor of a particular political party or candidate", they note.

The pronouncement of the TSE comes after Bukele urged the population to vote for his political party a few hours before the closing of the voting centers.  Bukele, naming the slogan of his political party, called to vote for his organization, despite the fact that the Electoral Law prohibits it.   "Let's do this operation in these few hours that are left," he pointed out in the press conference.

At this moment, the electoral authorities are recounting the votes.  Election Day ended with the participation of more than 3,000 national and international observers to ensure its transparency.