Bukele argued that the reduction would enable more effective public service delivery by consolidating local governments and resources.

[1] The Legislative Assembly approved the proposal on 13 June 2023, reducing the number of municipalities from 262 to 44, a change that went into effect on 1 May 2024.

[2] This significant restructuring aimed to modernize local governance, with proponents claiming it would allow for better distribution of resources and improved access to public services across the nation.

Opponents, however, raised concerns that it could diminish local representation and reduce citizen engagement with government.

The concept of municipalities in El Salvador dates back to colonial times, with administrative divisions that evolved over centuries.

Municipalities originally developed as autonomous entities meant to address the unique needs of their respective communities.

The decision to reduce the number of municipalities to 44 is part of broader governmental reforms initiated under Bukele's administration, which aims to centralize certain aspects of governance to enhance efficiency.

Proponents of the reform anticipate it will bring more centralized resources to each municipality, though it remains to be seen how the changes will impact local identities and community participation.

The municipalities, despite the reduction in their number, retain political autonomy within the state's organizational structure, enabling them to address issues specific to their jurisdictions.

San Salvador, founded in 1525 by Pedro de Alvarado, is the first municipality established in Central America.

The number of members of the municipal councils was reformed in the following way: there would be 1 Alcalde and 1 Síndico for each population and the number of regidores would be determined according to the following criteria:[2] This decree also established the Juzgado de Paz (Justice of the Peace) which separated judicial matters from the political government of the municipalities.

The municipal councils also grant legal recognition (personalidad juridica) to communal associations in their municipios.