In a historic and controversial move, El Salvador’s congress has approved constitutional reforms abolishing presidential term limits, allowing President Nayib Bukele to seek unlimited reelection. The decision, fast-tracked under an expedited procedure, marks a turning point in the nation’s democratic framework.
Terry McLaurin Requests Trade from Commanders After Contract Talks Stall
Key Changes in the Constitutional Reform
The sweeping reform introduces several major changes to El Salvador’s political system:
- Abolition of presidential term limits, permitting indefinite reelections.
- Extension of presidential terms from five to six years.
- Rescheduling of the next elections to 2027, two years earlier than expected, to synchronize presidential, legislative, and municipal elections.
Bukele’s Controversial Rise to Power
Bukele, 44, has served as president since 2019 and won a second term in 2024 despite the constitution’s prior ban on consecutive reelections.
- In 2021, El Salvador’s top court — packed with Bukele-backed judges — ruled it was his human right to run again.
- His popularity largely stems from a massive crackdown on gang violence, which has drastically reduced murder rates.
- However, human rights groups claim that over 75,000 people have been arbitrarily arrested under emergency measures repeatedly extended since 2022.
Opposition Warns of Democratic Backslide
Critics argue that the reform is a direct threat to El Salvador’s fragile democracy.
- Marcela Villatoro, an MP with the opposition Arena party, declared: “Today, democracy has died in El Salvador.”
- Ernesto Castro, president of the Legislative Assembly and a Bukele ally, celebrated the move: “Thank you for making history, fellow deputies.”
Rights groups have condemned the decision. Noah Bullock, executive director of Cristosal, warned:
“Without debate, without informing the public, in a single legislative vote, they changed the political system to allow the president to perpetuate himself in power indefinitely.”
Human Rights Concerns
While Bukele’s state of emergency policies have reduced gang activity, they have also drawn sharp criticism:
- Amnesty International reported in December that the crackdown has replaced “gang violence with state violence.”
- Families of detainees say thousands have been jailed without due process, raising concerns about widespread human rights violations.
Conclusion
The abolition of presidential term limits in El Salvador solidifies President Nayib Bukele’s power and raises pressing questions about the nation’s democratic future. Supporters hail him as a strong leader who restored security, while critics warn that the reforms mark the beginning of one-party rule and authoritarian governance. As the next election approaches in 2027, the world will be watching El Salvador closely.