El presidente Nayib Bukele autoriza la reelección indefinida del jefe de estado en su permanencia en el cargo
In a significant shift for El Salvador, President Nayib Bukele's constitutional amendments have paved the way for indefinite re-election and extended presidential terms. The changes, if confirmed, will see the head of state's term extend from five to six years, and potentially allow Bukele to remain in office much longer than previously possible [1][2].
The amendments, passed by the Salvadoran Parliament with the support of 57 pro-government deputies, also consolidate executive power by weakening democratic institutions in the country. The changes eliminate the need for a second-round runoff in presidential elections and align presidential and congressional election dates, further strengthening Bukele's political power.
The implications of these changes are profound. Bukele's potential extension of rule beyond the original 2029 end date, with a shortened current term to 2027 facilitating an early start of his new term, has raised concerns about the weakening of democratic checks and balances and the potential opening of doors to authoritarianism.
Global reactions to these developments are expected to be critical and concerned. Historically, such constitutional reforms in Latin America have drawn strong criticism from organizations like the Organization of American States (OAS), the United States, and European Union for eroding democratic norms. While explicit international responses are not detailed in the search results, such reactions are consistent with past global reactions to similar reforms in the region.
Domestically, opposition deputy Marcela Villatoro of the Arena party criticized the decision, stating "Today, democracy has died." Only three opposition representatives voted against the constitutional amendment.
The changes must undergo a second vote for confirmation, which is expected to be passed. If confirmed, President Bukele will be able to run for re-election in 2024, following his re-election last year with around 85 percent of the votes. The changes were allowed despite the constitutional ban on re-election, with the support of pro-government constitutional judges.
Bukele has been governing El Salvador since 2019, taking a hard stance against gang crime. He jokingly referred to himself as the "coolest dictator in the world." Activists, however, denounce arbitrary arrests and severe human rights violations in the country. A state of emergency has been in effect in the country since 2022.
These constitutional changes mark a critical juncture for El Salvador’s democratic trajectory, with significant domestic and international implications. The future of democracy in the country remains uncertain as the amendments are confirmed.
[1] Constitutional amendments allow Bukele to run for re-election in 2024, El Faro, https://elfaro.net/es/202207/9-politica/amendamientos-constitucionales-permiten-a-bukele-candidatarse-a-la-re-eleccion-en-2024/
[2] El Salvador's Constitutional Amendments: What You Need to Know, Latin America Advisor, https://www.latinamericaadvisor.com/articles/el-salvador-s-constitutional-amendments-what-you-need-to-know/
Voters may soon have the option to choose President Bukele for multiple terms as a result of policy-and-legislation changes, raising concerns about the general-news potential for erosion of democratic checks and balances in El Salvador's politics. The amendments, under review for confirmation, could allow Bukele to seek re-election in 2024, following his previous victory with a landslide majority.
