Defending democracy in El Salvador with innovation and courage: Luis V. Villaherrera’s democratic mission
The moment that would shape Luis V. Villaherrera's fight for democracy came in a crowded public hospital in El Salvador. "People were literally dying because there weren't enough doctors or nurses," recalls Luis, who was 17 at the time. "And on the other side of the coin, people in the government were living lavish lifestyles." It was his first time visiting the public healthcare system.
This stark contrast between public suffering and political excess would ignite a passion for transparency and accountability in Luis. And it was against this backdrop that Luis, at just 18 years old, founded TRACODA, an organization dedicated to using transparency, social accountability, open data, and technology to expose corruption and strengthen democracy. Drawing on El Salvador's Access to Public Information Law, he began investigating politicians' wealth, transforming complex financial statements into accessible social media content that everyday Salvadorans could understand and act upon. A strategy that Luis has shared with organizations across Central America and South America.
His methods were revolutionary in their simplicity. For Luis, the challenge is to make complex information accessible to everyone. He believes democracy can only thrive when citizens understand their rights and are empowered to demand accountability. So, rather than publish dense reports that would gather dust, Luis deployed memes and infographics that spread like wildfire across social media platforms. When citizens saw the stark numbers – the unexplained wealth, the lavish expenditures, the missing public funds – they responded with outrage and demands for accountability. "Why are you not doing your job, and why do you have so much money while we're dying in the hospitals?" became a rallying cry across TRACODA's platforms.
After its launch in 2016, TRACODA quickly gained momentum, becoming one of the most impactful organizations in El Salvador and collaborating with international entities. “We are now part of different global programs, including the Summit for Democracy and Summit for the Americas. We produce white papers on issues like political micro-targeting and elections, and we are one of the leading organizations in using technology to support democracy.”
Expanding His Reach and Staying Resilient
Today, El Salvador stands at a crossroads. Under President Nayib Bukele, the country has transformed from the murder capital of the world to boasting one of the lowest homicide rates in the Western Hemisphere. But this progress masks a dangerous shift toward authoritarian rule. The country now holds the world's highest incarceration rate, with more than 70,000 people detained under an ongoing "state of exception" – an emergency measure that has granted sweeping powers to police and military since March 2022. Meanwhile, government officials exploit social media to suppress dissent and spread narratives that justify the erosion of democratic institutions.
And so Luis continues his relentless fight for democracy. That journey to grow his impact in El Salvador led him to the Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University. The Columbia World Projects program provided him with a platform to learn from other global leaders, share his experiences, and strengthen his network. He emphasizes the value of these connections: “I formed deep connections with two scholars who were in my program cohort. They support me, question me, and are there when I need insights and their opinions.”
Luis continues to fight for democracy despite the many obstacles he faces. Working in such a high-stakes environment carries significant personal risks. In 2019, his phone was hacked by Pegasus spyware, and his family has been subjected to intimidation tactics. “The police came to my house while I was at Columbia University. They didn’t say why, but it was clearly meant to intimidate,” he recalls. Despite this, Luis remains steadfast. “I know the risks, especially under the government’s state of emergency, where they can jail you without reason. But I keep going because my work is crucial.”
Hope for the Future
Beyond El Salvador, Luis has been sharing his experiences with other countries facing similar challenges. “I think El Salvador is like a small laboratory,” he says. “The lessons we’re learning here are relevant worldwide. The rise of populism and authoritarianism is a global issue.”
Despite the hurdles, Luis remains hopeful. “Children and youth are important to push for changes, but we need everyone to be part of this change, or we’ll just repeat the same history,” he says. “Even though democracy isn’t perfect, it’s the only system where we can have checks and balances and the freedom to express our ideas. Having a voice is always important. It doesn’t matter if I agree or disagree with you. What matters is that we all have the right to scream for what we think is right, and that can take us a long way.” Luis concludes, “At the end of the day is on us, the people, to fight for what is right. Hope is the only thing that keeps us afloat.”
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