El Salvador’s Assembly greenlights indefinite presidential re-election and six-year terms

San Salvador.- In a sweeping vote this Thursday, the Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that paves the way for the indefinite reelection of the president and extends the presidential term from five to six years. The measure passed overwhelmingly, with 57 out of 60 deputies—most from President Nayib Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas party and its two allied factions—supporting the change.

Proponents argue the reforms enhance democratic choice by removing constraints on consecutive terms. “Our aim is to empower Salvadorans,” declared Ana Figueroa, the ruling-party deputy who championed revisions to Articles 75, 80, 133, 152 and 154. “Reelection has always existed for many elected offices—mayors, legislators—but this reform aligns the presidency with the popular will.” Under the new rules, President Bukele’s current term, set to expire in 2029, would not bar him from seeking another mandate in 2027—synchronizing presidential, legislative and municipal elections for the first time.

The amendment package also abolishes the requirement for a second-round runoff if no candidate secures an outright majority. Opposition parties Alianza Republicana Nacionalista (ARENA) and Vamos lambasted the vote as a blow to democracy. “Today marks the death of democracy in El Salvador,” proclaimed ARENA deputy Marcela Villatoro. She accused the majority of ramming the reforms through “cynically and without genuine consultation,” stripping away any pretense of institutional checks.

Final ratification by the same chamber is expected shortly, alongside what will likely be the 41st extension of the state of emergency first declared in March 2022. Earlier this year, President Bukele brushed off critics by stating, “Call me a dictator if you will,” adding that concepts such as “democracy” and “rule of law” are often invoked to keep citizens “under control.”