In El Salvador, Nayib Bukele pacted with gangs as well.

Nayib Bukele, former San Salvador mayor and likely next president of El Salvador, also negotiated with gangs. Disappointing but not surprising since gangs rule streets and (nearly?) every local official negotiates with them in order to govern. https://t.co/qyyhU7UVkG @_ElFaro_

— Mike Allison (@CentAmPolMike) July 2, 2018

According to a recent report by El Faro, Nayib Bukele made agreements with local gangs during his campaign for and time as mayor of San Salvador. Although Tim Muth lays out several obstacles still in his path, the former FMLN outsider is currently the front-runner in the race for the presidency.

Bukele negotiated with gangs to campaign in their territory, to prevent them from interfering with his voters on election day, and to relocate the location of the August patron saint festivals and the downtown market. In addition, Bukele and his team negotiated with the various gang cells to prevent violence during the celebration of Oscar Romero's beatification.

I think that we've all been operating under the assumption that most local politicians negotiate with gangs in El Salvador. As Hector Silva points out for InSight Crime, however, "On some occasions, these pacts have had a clearly criminal profile." From what we know about Bukele's dealings with gangs in the capital, his relationship does not have a "clearly criminal profile." Tim is also skeptical that these revelations will affect the enthusiasm of Bukele's supporters and, presumably, his chances at the presidency. I agree with both of them but I wouldn't feel comfortable living with the hypocrisy.