It’s all over international news headlines: El Salvador has peacefully elected a leftist president to office for the first time in the country’s history.

The Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, FMLN, has won the presidency, with Mauricio Funes, a former television journalist and newcomer to politics has their leader. The former guerrilla army peacefully won the battle this time, as opposed to the vicious 12 year civil war that ended just over 17 years ago.

For the past 20 years the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance, ARENA. This is actually the first left government to rule in El Salvador since it gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Right now the red flags are waving, as much of El Salvador rejoices over Read more

Perusing the internet I found an interesting compilation of statements Obama has made regarding Latin America. Just the Facts, “a civilian’s guide to U.S. defense and security assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean” is the source of the compilation, which can be seen by clicking here.

It’s hard to say when Obama will get around to implementing his plans for Latin America, what with everything else he has on in his plate.

Just the Facts also details the Official Descriptions of Aid to El Salvador, which include the implementing of stricter drug and gang policies and the encouragement of cultural interchange programs.

El Salvador has a pretty good feeling that whoever gets elected next year is going to have an impact on their country. In fact, 43% think that either Obama or McCain taking office will make a difference in El Salvador. Which do they prefer?

Gallup Polls has the answer. From May to September 2008 they conducted surveys in 70 countries to see who the world preferred to see elected into the Presidential office in the United States.

Despite the fact that they prefer Obama over McCain, the difference between the two candidates is one of the narrowest in all South American countries. Only 24% prefer Obama, while 14% would vote for McCain if they Read more

If you are among the many English-speaking-only people who are interested in the upcoming election in El Salvador, and are tired of translating the many El Salvadoran news sources using Google Translate, then take a look at the Free and Fair Elections in El Salvador Blog.

The blogs aim is to collect information from a variety of sources regarding the elections in order to present a balanced look at the campaign. The blog ties in articles and thought from local Salvadoran media, as well as other relevant outside sources.

Currently, there is no discussion on the page, although readers have the ability to submit comments to the blog administrator.

In case you haven’t heard yet, you can now catch the local El Salvadorian news from anywhere in the world. Channels 12 and 33 are now broadcasting live streaming video from the web making it easier than ever to watch the news while you are away.

The most important news clips are available for the streaming. You will need to have a pretty decent internet connection, and may need to install some programs onto your computer. (Currently, Channel 12 requires that you have Adobe Flash Player 9 and offers you the option to install it upon visiting the page.)

Click here to visit Channel 12. 

Click here to visit Channel 33.