White, Blue and Red

Talks of four dissenters were quietly discussed under the low hum of the air-conditioned office of my counterpart. This morning feelings of betrayal were heartfelt as tears filled their eyes. The feeling was somber, but their voices were light-hearted, “asi es” (that’s how it is), “ni modo, solo tres años” (eh, only three years) and other phrases were exchanged as visitors slowly walked inside city hall, each offering their sympathy. Inside the office of Medio Ambiente (where I am located) three of the four dissenters huddled toward one desk and talked of the results. They agree d that they feel bad for the alcalde (mayor) and the sindicto (no idea how to say that in English, his role is the executor of all legal events administered by city hall), but it was the way of things, this system that we helped install, that has put brother against brother, friend against friend.

The elections represent the growing change in El Salvador, from rural farmers to urban consumers. Even the image of these inhabitants has changed, or should I say, part of the systematic process of change that began, at the heart of it, in 1932, when the 1st waves of massacres emptied the indigenous population and indoctrinated shame for those that still carry indigenous traits (of course this was been happening since the Conquest). The papers portray areneros (those who support ARENA) as model yuppies with light skin and neatly cut hair, fashionable, vogue. The efemelistas (those that support FMLN) are dark-skinned indigenousness looking, a working class. The hopeful ARENA candidate for San Salvador is light skinned with blue eyes, the candidate for FMLN has an olive hue and brown eyes.

All of El Salvador is holding its breathe for the results mayoral elections for the cities capital. FMLN currently leads with 45.01% and ARENA with 44.93%. The results will be read at 7pm tonight, according to the papers. Since free elections were held, San Salvador has repeatedly gone FMLN. All political parties not ARENA are pulling for FMLN. The collective distain for ARENA from other political parties was apparent Sunday when the mayor of Moncagua, a municipality south of Sesori’s, upon witnessing the wave of red, white and blue (ARENA’s colors) instructed his followers to vote FMLN. The combined effort was a success and FMLN succeeded in defeating ARENA.

Tomorrow, the results are in…

Your affectionate volunteer,

Scrutape