El Salvador Moves Toward Indefinite Presidential Reelection
In a significant development, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has approved constitutional changes that will enable the indefinite reelection of presidents. This decision comes under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, which has been a focal point of national debate.
On Thursday, the assembly members from Bukele’s party, New Ideas, along with their allies, passed the amendments. Lawmaker Ana Figueroa introduced the proposals, which not only aim to allow endless presidential terms but also suggest increasing the length of those terms from five to six years. Importantly, the second round of elections, where the two leading candidates compete again, will be eliminated.
This move passed easily with 57 votes in favor and just three against, demonstrating the powerful majority held by Bukele’s party in the assembly. This approval follows the president’s overwhelming reelection last year, which took place despite a previous constitutional ban on consecutive terms. In 2021, the Supreme Court, influenced by Bukele’s party, ruled in favor of allowing such reelections.
Critics of Bukele have expressed concerns about him consolidating power, especially since the assembly voted to remove certain Supreme Court judges who were seen as a check on his authority. Despite these worries, Bukele’s popularity has surged, especially after the Biden administration slowly shifted from concern to acceptance of his governance style.
Figueroa defended the changes by pointing out that many local politicians can reelection without limits, making the presidency an unfair exception. She also suggested an adjustment to Bukele’s current term, proposing it end two years earlier, aligning presidential elections with congressional ones.
Some opposition members, such as Marcela Villatoro from the Nationalist Republican Alliance, strongly opposed the reforms. She argued, “Democracy in El Salvador has died!” Villatoro warned that allowing indefinite reelection might lead to increased corruption and weakened political participation.
On the other hand, supporters of the changes believe this will empower the people of El Salvador. Suecy Callejas, the assembly’s vice president, stated that this step returns power to its rightful owners – the citizens.
Bukele, known for his tough stance against gang violence, remains highly popular among voters, who seem to overlook some controversies surrounding his administration, including negotiations with gangs and the suspension of certain constitutional rights. His approach to crime has attracted attention from nearby countries looking to emulate his success.
However, Bukele’s government has not gone without international criticism, particularly regarding the arrests of vocal critics and human rights advocates. Despite such challenges, Bukele continues to navigate the complex political landscape of El Salvador with a strong public backing.
