DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION AND AUTOCRATIZATION IN EL SALVADOR

This paper examines the tension between democratic representation and processes of autocratization in El Salvador during the 21st century, with particular emphasis on the recent evolution of its political system. Using an interdisciplinary approach that combines political science and constitutional law, the study analyzes how formal mechanisms of representation-such as periodic elections, political parties, and the separation of powers-have been progressively reconfigured in a context of strong executive popular legitimacy. A central paradox is identified: while the procedural appearance of democracy is maintained, there are clear dynamics of power concentration, institutional weakening, and erosion of constitutional checks and balances. It concludes that the Salvadoran case reflects a process of competitive autocratization, in which formal democratic practices coexist with substantive authoritarian tendencies, posing significant challenges to the rule of law and the quality of democracy in the region.