El Salvador approves changes to let Bukele extend presidency indefinitely

SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador's Legislative Assembly, dominated by President Nayib Bukele's allies, has passed a series of constitutional amendments that could allow him to remain in power indefinitely. The sweeping changes, approved in a swift and largely undebated session, have drawn strong condemnation from opposition groups and human rights organizations, who warn the country is moving further down an autocratic path.

The reform, proposed by Bukele's New Ideas party, was passed with 57 votes in favor and only three against. The constitutional changes are far-reaching, fundamentally altering the country's electoral and political landscape. Key among the amendments is the abolition of presidential term limits, a move that directly enables Bukele to seek re-election beyond his current term.

The new legislation also extends presidential terms from five to six years and eliminates the need for a second-round runoff election. The government argued these changes were necessary to streamline the electoral process and "return power to the people," but critics argue they are designed to entrench Bukele's power.

This latest move follows Bukele's controversial re-election earlier this year, which occurred despite a clear constitutional ban on successive terms. That run was made possible by a 2021 ruling from the Supreme Court, whose justices were appointed by Bukele's allies. At the time, the court's decision was widely seen as a significant step in the president's consolidation of power.

The new constitutional reforms now formalize the ability to run for re-election without any legal barriers. In addition to these changes, the legislature also voted to shorten Bukele's current term, which was set to end in 2029, to synchronize presidential and legislative elections in 2027. This move would allow Bukele to seek re-election to a longer, six-year term two years earlier than originally planned.

Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have voiced outrage at the legislative maneuver. "Democracy in El Salvador has died!" declared Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance (Arena), one of the three lawmakers who voted against the changes. Similarly, rights organizations have likened the move to a "well-travelled path of autocrats," pointing to the lack of public debate and the rushed nature of the vote.

Bukele, who enjoys immense popularity for his aggressive crackdown on criminal gangs, has largely dismissed such criticisms, once famously referring to himself as "the world's coolest dictator." His supporters view the changes as a necessary step to maintain stability and continue the security policies that have dramatically reduced the country's murder rate. However, critics argue that this security has come at the cost of democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The constitutional overhaul represents a new and decisive chapter in Bukele's consolidation of power, removing the last remaining legal obstacles to his indefinite rule and solidifying his control over the Central American nation.