Comment by Bernardo Zamora
The changes in El Salvador over the past five years are the result of 11 years of armed struggle led by the Frente Farabundo Martì para la Liberacion Nacional (FMLN) for liberation, progress and democracy.
The Chapultepec peace accords signed in January 1992 marked the beginning of a profound transformation in the country's political, economic and social structures.
The FMLN, as the major opposition party and the party of the majority, is conscious of the need to take responsibility for El Salvador's development and political stability. For that reason the party guarantees to consult with the major sectors of the population in order to implement the priorities determined by the Salvadoran people.
The people know that now is the time for further change. It is the moment to involve the whole population in consolidating a democratic state. Social peace is based on social justice within a true democracy. The FMLN is aiming to build a democracy where there is space for all, especially women and young people, to be politically involved. For this reason the FMLN is also campaigning to make education and health priorities.
The current economic situation is grave and this is the main threat to stability in El Salvador. The FMLN is undertaking to develop the economy to ensure that economic productivity will be used for the well being of all.
The FMLN's platform aims to reduce the high cost of living. The main tenets of the platform are:
- reduce taxes and end (real estate) property speculation;
- regulate water, electricity and telephone costs and ensure accessibility to these basic services;
- reduce the costs of basic medicines and ensure they are available to all; and
- oppose the privatisation of essential services and ensure access for all.
The Frente has also pledged to rid the country of terror and has pledged an end to impunity. El Salvador has one homicide each hour and more than 500 violent crimes per day in the capital city. This is a direct result of the poverty and social decay which the war and the ruling party, ARENA, have promoted. Salvadorans can work together to overcome this and ensure that people have a decent standard of living.
This will be achieved by a dual approach. First by combating organised crime and ensuring it is no longer profitable, and second by restoring trust in the justice system with a fair and accountable administration.
People wishing to donate to the FMLN's electoral campaign should contact the Committee in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean in their capital city [see pages 26-27], or contact Bernardo on (06) 2427990 for more information.
[Bernardo Zamora is one of the FMLNs representatives in Australia.]