January 30, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in El Salvador believe their country should institute tougher regulations for the use of weapons, according to a poll by LPG Datos published in La Prensa Gráfica. 69.2 per cent of respondents would forbid people from carrying firearms.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in El Salvador believe their country should institute tougher regulations for the use of weapons, according to a poll by LPG Datos published in La Prensa Gráfica. 69.2 per cent of respondents would forbid people from carrying firearms.

Antonio Saca—a media businessman—was elected in March 2004 as the candidate for the ruling conservative Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA), garnering 57.73 per cent of the vote. ARENA candidates have won the last four presidential elections in the Central American country.

Following El Salvador's civil war, several gangs or "maras" spawned in several parts of the country. The Mara Salvatrucha and the 18th Street Gang originated in California, where many Salvadoran refugees lived. The two warring factions are still battling in El Salvador.

On Jan. 25, El Salvador's Legislative Assembly approved the government's proposal to introduce a new Arms Law that will allow the prohibition of firearms in certain places and times. The bill will become law only upon approval by the Defence Ministry and the regional governments of the areas where the measure would be implemented. The law would grant the president full power to dictate by decree when and where to ban the carrying of arms.

Polling Data

At this time, a proposal to forbid people from carrying fire arms is being debated. Do you support or oppose this proposal?

Support	69.2%
Oppose	24.4%
Not sure	6.4%

Source: LPG Datos / La Prensa Gráfica
Methodology: Interviews with 1,000 Salvadoran adults, conducted from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9, 2007. Margin of error is 2.2 per cent.