El Salvador’s Miss Universe pageant drawing attention at crucial moment for president

The Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador has captured international attention, with video montages of contestants enjoying the country’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture flooding social media. R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022, emphasized the positive changes occurring in El Salvador, echoing President Nayib Bukele’s assertion that the nation is undergoing a transformation.

However, amidst the glamour and festivities, concerns linger. Critics argue that President Bukele is using such events to divert attention from allegations of human rights abuses, particularly in his aggressive campaign against gangs. His suspension of constitutional rights and mass detentions of individuals with alleged gang ties have raised questions about due process and civil liberties. Moreover, Bukele’s administration has faced criticism for targeting journalists, labor organizers, and human rights groups, stifling dissenting voices while promoting government propaganda.

President Bukele’s crackdown on gang violence has garnered significant public support and is reflected in favorable poll numbers. Yet, international observers warn about the erosion of democracy and the rule of law. The U.S. State Department’s 2022 report highlighted significant human rights concerns, and attempts have been made to challenge Bukele’s reelection bid, which bypasses clear term limits outlined in the country’s constitution.

Bukele has been unapologetic in the face of criticism, occasionally dismissing detractors and accusing foreign governments of hypocrisy. He is known for making bold spectacles a trademark of his presidency, such as declaring Bitcoin as a national currency and hosting international events like surfing competitions and the Central American and Caribbean Games, deemed by experts as “sportswashing” to divert attention from controversy.

Domestic projects, such as a new mega-prison and the unveiling of a modern national library, are also presented with elaborate choreography, reinforcing Bukele’s image as a decisive leader.

Recent actions, such as imposing fees on African migrants transiting through El Salvador’s airport, appear to be aimed at appeasing the U.S. government, which has been pressuring regional governments to address northward migration.

In the midst of criticism surrounding his reelection bid, the Miss Universe competition has taken center stage in El Salvador. While social media influencers and contestants praise the nation’s security and beauty, critics, including the rights group Movement for Victims of the State of Emergency, have announced protests to highlight concerns about human rights and democracy.

The Miss Universe spectacle presents a dual narrative. It allows Salvadorans to showcase their country as a tourist destination and rebuild their national identity. Still, it raises questions about potential trade-offs between this positive image and the preservation of democratic values and checks and balances.

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More about Miss Universe El Salvador

• Miss Universe Official Website
• Nayib Bukele – President of El Salvador
• El Salvador’s Fight Against Gang Violence
• 2022 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report on El Salvador
• Sportswashing: Using Sports to Divert Attention
• El Salvador’s Bitcoin Adoption
• Supreme Electoral Tribunal of El Salvador
• Movement for Victims of the State of Emergency (Spanish)