The 2009 presidential election in El Salvador concluded with Mauricio Funes securing 1,354,000 votes, or 51.32 percent of the popular vote. This victory marked the first time a candidate from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) achieved the presidency, signaling a significant shift in the nation's political trajectory following the civil war era.
Journalistic Foundation
Born in San Salvador in 1959, Funes pursued an education at the Central American University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media. He began his career in 1986 as a reporter for Channel 10 before transitioning to Channel 12. His tenure there included hosting The Daily Interview and serving as a news director. During this period, he garnered recognition for his reporting, most notably receiving the Maria Moors Cabot Prize from Columbia University in 1994 for his contributions to press freedom and inter-American understanding. He later worked as a correspondent for CNN en Español between 1997 and 2005.
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Funes initially sought the FMLN nomination for the 2004 election but faced opposition from senior party leadership. By 2007, a reformist faction led by Óscar Ortiz successfully proposed his candidacy. He officially became the FMLN presidential candidate on 28 September 2007, supported by vice-presidential running mate Salvador Sánchez Cerén. During the 2009 campaign, he utilized themes inspired by Barack Obama, focusing on job creation, tax evasion, and maintaining the United States dollar as the national currency. His victory on 1 June 2009 represented the first peaceful transition of power in post-war El Salvador.
Policy and Governance
The administration prioritized poverty reduction and social reform. Key initiatives included the abolition of public healthcare fees, the provision of uniforms and meals for students, and the distribution of land titles to families. Funes also oversaw investments in school infrastructure, increased teacher salaries, and issued decrees prohibiting discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation. In 2009, his government responded to the destruction caused by Hurricane Ida, which notably devastated the community of Verapaz. Throughout his term, he maintained approval ratings between 63 and 83 percent.
Exile and Legal Proceedings
Following his term, Funes faced scrutiny regarding his administration. He moved to Nicaragua in 2016 and lived in exile until his death in 2025. In July 2023, the United States Department of State imposed sanctions on him after he was convicted in absentia. These charges related to illicit enrichment, tax evasion, and negotiations surrounding a controversial gang truce that was active during his time in office. His immediate family remained in Nicaragua during his years in exile.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, San Salvador
- Died: 2025, Managua
- President of El Salvador: 2009-2014
- Political party: Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN)
- Alma mater: Central American University
- Award: Maria Moors Cabot Prizes (1994)
- Citizenship: El Salvador, Nicaragua
- Language: Spanish
Questions readers ask
What was the result of the 2009 presidential election?
Mauricio Funes won the election with 51.32 percent of the popular vote, defeating Rodrigo Ávila.
Why did the United States Department of State sanction Funes?
Sanctions were imposed in 2023 following a conviction in absentia for tax evasion, illicit enrichment, and negotiations involving gang truces.
Achievements
- Educated at Central American University, San Salvador
- Worked as politician and journalist
