El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele gives a press conference in San Salvador, El Salvador, Jan. 14, 2025.
Salvador Melendez/AP
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Salvador Melendez/AP
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s party passed constitutional amendments in the National Assembly, allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending terms to six years.
New Ideas party member Ana Figueroa proposed changes to five constitution articles, including eliminating the second round of elections.
The proposals were swiftly approved by New Ideas and allies in the National Assembly, with a vote of 57 in favor and three opposed.
Bukele, who won reelection last year despite a ban, did not comment immediately.
Figueroa argued that federal lawmakers and mayors already have the opportunity for indefinite reelection through popular vote.
She also proposed aligning Bukele’s current term end date with congressional elections, allowing him to seek reelection two years earlier.
Opposition member Marcela Villatoro criticized the proposals, stating that “Democracy in El Salvador has died!”
Assembly vice president Suecy Callejas defended the changes, saying that “power has returned to the Salvadoran people.”
Bukele, known for his tough stance against street gangs, remains popular despite controversies surrounding his administration.
His success has inspired similar leaders in the region who admire his approach to governance.
