FMLN National Convention Sets Higher Standards for Social Change
On Sunday, August 31st, hundreds gathered for the 31st National Convention of the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) party to ratify dozens of candidates for the upcoming March 2015 mayoral, legislative and Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) elections. Convention members also approved new platforms, resolutions and reforms to statutes meant to strengthen structural representation, participatory democracy, gender equity, and social change nationally and internationally in years to come.
FMLN Secretary General Medardo Gonzalez inaugurated the celebratory event by reminding those present of the goals set during the 30th FMLN National Convention in 2013, in which members had vowed to win the 2014 presidential elections, and proclaimed: ¨Mission Accomplished.¨ Amidst a wave of applause and a sea of red flags, he affirmed, ¨the FMLN is a major political force in the country, and for this reason the FMLN has a great responsibility to the Salvadoran people.¨
The Convention approved a legislative platform that aims to fortify democracy by promoting legislation to promote the well-being of families through economic development, increased employment opportunities, security, protections for human rights, along with participatory democracy and transparency mechanisms. The approved municipal platform promotes increased citizen participation, encourages economically productive municipalities, bolsters security, modernizes public services and promotes cultural and historical memory. Finally, the approved PARLACEN platform calls for defending the human rights of Salvadoran migrants, particularly unaccompanied children, strengthening economic, social, and political integration in the region and promoting a culture of peace. Approved reforms to internal party statutes will modify internal political regulation to be in compliance with the new Political Parties law.
The President and First Lady attended the conventionThe 31st Convention also passed resolutions to strengthen international coalitions and alliances and affirm the FMLN´s solidarity with the Basque people and the people of Palestine.
Notable attendees included the President of El Salvador, Salvador Sánchez Cerén and Vice President Óscar Ortiz.
"I am a CISPES supporter because continuing to fight for social justice and a more people-centered country means continuing the dream and sacrifice of thousands of my fellow Salvadorans who died for that vision.” - Padre Carlos, New York City
