Opposition parties in El Salvador have nominated Maytee Iraheta and Rafael Aguirre to challenge President Nayib Bukele in the 2027 presidential election. Iraheta, a former lawmaker, declared her candidacy for the right-wing ARENA party to reporters, while the FMLN announced Aguirre — a doctor and union leader — via social media. The nominations set up a left-right contest as both candidates begin preparations for next year’s campaign.
El Salvador Opposition Names Maytee Iraheta And Rafael Aguirre To Challenge Bukele In 2027
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele speaks during an inaugural ceremony of the Attorney General's Office's new building in Antiguo Cuscatlan, El Salvador, May 19, 2026.REUTERS/Jose Cabezas
Opposition parties in El Salvador have formally nominated Maytee Iraheta and Rafael Aguirre as their presidential candidates to challenge President Nayib Bukele in the 2027 election.
Iraheta, a former lawmaker, announced her bid as the candidate of the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) in a statement to reporters on Sunday. The left-wing Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) presented Rafael Aguirre — a physician and veteran union leader — as its candidate via social media.
What This Means
The dual nominations create a clear ideological contrast for the upcoming race, pitting ARENA's conservative platform against the FMLN's left-wing position. Both candidates are expected to begin wider campaigning and coalition-building as they prepare for next year’s vote.
Background
President Nayib Bukele remains a dominant figure in Salvadoran politics, and these nominations mark the opposition’s effort to consolidate alternatives ahead of the 2027 contest.
Reporting: Gerardo Arbaiza; Editing: Christian Schmollinger/Reuters.
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