In examining Bukele’s media operation, Reuters interviewed more than 70 people, including former media operatives and social media researchers.
It showed Bukele with an 86% approval rating in El Salvador, making him the most popular leader in the region.
“The threat in El Salvador used to be from the gangs, now it's from the state,” said Angelica Carcamo, the organization's president.
“I found a lot more manipulation in El Salvador than in Mexico,” Escorcia said.
A native of Guatemala, Torres has been critical of the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras for creating conditions that spur migration.