El Salvador

Abstract

Constitution and Government.—In 1839 the Central American Federation, which had comprised the states of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, was dissolved, and El Salvador became an independent republic. Plans for a gradual federation with Guatemala were discussed between the presidents of both countries in March, 1945. A new constitution was promulgated 20 Jan., 1939, but in Nov., 1945, the 1886 constitution was reinstated though with numerous amendments. Legislative power is vested in a single Chamber, the National Assembly, consisting of 52 deputies, elected for 2 years by universal suffrage. Large powers are vested in the President, whose term is for 6 years; normally he cannot succeed himself. He has a cabinet of 10 members. Women in 1945 were conceded a limited suffrage, but in 19.50 universal male and female suffrage was introduced for the elections of the president and the National Assembly.