7
Key Takeaways: Cost of Politics
1
The minimum investment for a competitive campaign for a congressional seat is estimated between US$30,000-50,000, although it is also indicated that the sum required to win is nearer US$200,000.
2
Getting engaged and staying involved in politics in El Salvador involves high material and symbolic costs.
3
El Salvador has some of the weakest regulations in Latin America in terms of financing and oversight of political parties and candidacy’s resources.
4
Organised crime and criminal gangs influence the voting decision of the communities or people under their control.
5
Contributions from abroad are essential to pool resources for political parties and their electoral processes.
6
The political culture that prevails in one in which candidates and political authorities are expected to give some material gift to voters in exchange for their support.
7
Legislators can spend more than 4 times their annual salary they will receive when in office to get elected.