ARENA President Carlos Saade. (Archived Image). LA LIBERTAD, El Salvador — The Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) has confirmed its participation in El Salvador’s 2027 general elections, pledging to restore what it calls a “balance of power” amid the dominance of the ruling Nuevas Ideas political party.
Carlos García Saade, president of ARENA’s Executive Council (COENA), stated during an interview on Monday that the party’s base is urging its leadership to re-enter the political contest after a period of internal reflection.
“We are going to participate to recover the balance of power in El Salvador,” García Saade said. “Nuevas Ideas currently controls everything—the central government, the Legislative Assembly, and municipal councils.”
He explained that ARENA’s decision follows months of internal discussions and nationwide tours, where grassroots members expressed strong support for electoral participation.
“The majority tell me, ‘Yes, I want ARENA to participate,’” García Saade said, citing conversations with party supporters across the country.
The 2027 elections will include contests for the presidency, vice presidency, 60 legislative seats, and 44 municipal councils.
García Saade stated that ARENA intends to compete in all categories, emphasizing that a plural system is essential to ensure government accountability and democratic checks and balances.
He added that the party has begun developing candidate profiles for internal elections, a process meant to precede the national race. The selection will focus on individuals committed to public service rather than personal gain.
“We are looking for the best people—those who are not afraid, who will fight for the country, and who will serve Salvadorans, not themselves,” García Saade said.
Under electoral law, parties must hold internal elections by April 2026 to choose their candidates through secret, free, and equal ballots. Once finalized, candidate lists will be submitted to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) for official registration.
García Saade’s remarks mark ARENA’s clearest signal yet that it seeks to reassert itself as a national political force after years of electoral decline. “Our goal,” he said, “is to ensure El Salvador once again has true democratic balance.”
