FMLN loses more members

The FMLN suffered another large defection of members this weekend. As reported in La Opinion, more than 400 FMLN members aligned with the reformist wing of the party declared their intentions to leave the FMLN and join the Democratic Revolutionary Front (FDR). This defection follows the defection of another group of 350 members a month ago, including two deputies in the National Assembly.

Since the signing of the peace accords in 1992, the ex-guerrilla FMLN has been the strongest opposition party in El Salvador. Although it has never held the presidency, it has had a plurality in the legislature and has held the mayor's office in many cities including San Salvador. Recent disputes between the hard-line orthodox leadership of the party and the reformist wing threaten to weaken the party in the future.

It will be interesting to see if the FDR or another party can build a left-center party with any political success.

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