President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has implemented a hard-line crackdown on drug gangs that has incarcerated about two percent [1] of the adult population.
The strategy has gained traction among right-wing candidates in Latin America who view the drastic reduction in violence as a political winning formula. As regional voters grow weary of pervasive crime, the "Bukele model" is being positioned as a viable alternative to traditional policing.
Bukele took office in 2019, with the most significant declines in violence reported between 2020 and 2023 [2]. Zanny Minton-Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, said Bukele's policies have cut homicide rates dramatically, bringing the murder rate down to a level comparable with Canada [3]. This rate is approximately two per 100,000 people [1].
This approach is now influencing elections beyond El Salvador's borders. Seven Latin American countries have seen right-wing victories in presidential elections over the past year [4]. In Brazil, where general elections are scheduled for October 2026 [5], some candidates are explicitly citing the Salvadoran example.
"We need to adopt the Bukele model to restore safety and give voters confidence in the state," João Silva, a Brazilian presidential candidate, said [6].
However, the model faces significant criticism from human rights organizations. Critics argue that the security gains come at the cost of civil liberties, and due process. María González, a spokesperson for Cristosal, said the crackdown has created a climate of fear where dissent is silenced and human-rights defenders are forced to flee [7].
The tension between immediate security results and long-term legal protections has created a divide in the region. While some governments prioritize the rapid dismantling of gangs, others warn that the systemic harassment and legal threats accompanying these policies undermine the rule of law [8].
“The strategy has gained traction among right-wing candidates in Latin America who view the drastic reduction in violence as a political winning formula.”
The rise of the 'Bukele model' signals a regional shift toward authoritarian security measures in Latin America. By prioritizing immediate reductions in homicide rates over judicial protections, these policies offer a high-visibility success that appeals to crime-weary electorates, potentially eroding democratic norms and human rights standards across several neighboring states.
