Antonio Tejeda Encinas
Lawyer
President of the Euro-American Digital Law Committee –CEA Digital Law
In 2019, I PARTICIPATED as an INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER in the presidential elections of EL SALVADOR, an event that not only witnessed an exemplary democratic process, but also marked the beginning of a profound change in Salvadoran politics and society. With Nayib Bukele’s victory, a new era of hope made its way into a country that for decades had been marked by violence and corruption.
From the opening of the polls until the close of election day, the atmosphere was one of transparency and civic commitment. Citizens turned out en masse to vote, motivated by the desire for real and tangible change. Nayib Bukele, with his rhetoric of rupture and his promise to fight corruption, managed to capture the attention and support of a population eager to leave behind years of ineffective policies.
In the years following his election, El Salvador has experienced a notable decline in violence and corruption rates, reaching historic lows. The streets of cities that were once known for their danger have become safer, and the perception of safety among the population has improved considerably. This success, however, has not been without controversy.
Bukele’s “iron fist” style of rule has been the subject of intense international debate. His policies, which often prioritize security and order over civil liberties, have drawn both praise for their effectiveness and criticism for their authoritarian approach.
The decrease in violence has been celebrated as a significant achievement, but it raises a fundamental question: is it possible to achieve these advances without compromising human rights and the rule of law? The temptation to justify harsh methods in the name of security is great, especially in a country that has suffered so much from gang violence and systemic corruption.
The dilemma facing El Salvador is a reflection of a global challenge: how to balance the need for security with respect for human rights? In a world where security threats are real and present, leaders must find ways to protect their citizens without sacrificing the democratic principles that underpin their societies.
El Salvador’s history under Bukele’s leadership leaves us with an open and urgent question: Can a country truly prosper if peace is achieved at the expense of individual rights? This question challenges not only Salvadorans, but also the international community, which must reflect on the limits of state power in the search for a more just and secure order.
As El Salvador continues its path to the future, the tension between a crackdown and human rights will remain a central issue. Sustainable success requires leaders not only to focus on immediate results, but also to consider the long-term impact of their policies on the freedom and dignity of their people. Ultimately, the real challenge is to demonstrate that it is possible to build a society where security and human rights coexist in harmony.
As an expert in high technology and law, I see a viable path to balance human rights with preventing and fighting crime through technological innovations that respect fundamental freedoms. Through:
Ethical Predictive Analytics:
Using advanced algorithms to predict criminal behavior can transform crime prevention. These systems, designed with ethics and privacy protocols, make it possible to anticipate and mitigate incidents without the need for excessive security measures that compromise individual rights.
Artificial Intelligence in Judicial Processes:
Deploying artificial intelligence to analyze and review court cases can ensure fairer and faster decisions, reducing the burden on the judicial system and minimizing human errors that could lead to rights violations.
Blockchain for Transparency and Trust:
The adoption of blockchain technology in police and court records ensures the immutability and transparency of data, reducing opportunities for corruption and increasing public trust in institutions.
Digital Education and Rehabilitation:
Digital platforms can be powerful tools for the rehabilitation of offenders, offering continuing education and personal development programs that foster reintegration into society.
Drones and Smart Surveillance: Drones equipped with advanced technologies can provide real-time surveillance in high-risk areas without the need for an invasive police presence. By regulating their use with strict privacy policies, you ensure that these tools are used responsibly.
These technologies, combined with strong ethical commitment and proper oversight, have the potential to change the paradigm of how security and human rights are faced around the world. The challenge is to implement these innovations in a way that respects human dignity, demonstrating that technology can be a powerful ally in the search for a fair balance between security and freedom.
