Has El Salvador's National Assembly Just Extended the Presidential Term to Six Years?
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Synopsis
In a controversial move, El Salvador's National Assembly has voted to amend the constitution, allowing President Nayib Bukele to run for re-election indefinitely. The changes, backed by a supermajority in the legislature, raise the presidential term from five to six years and eliminate term limits. What does this mean for the future of governance in El Salvador?
Key Takeaways
- El Salvador's National Assembly has amended the constitution.
- Presidential term increased from five to six years.
- Term limits for the president have been abolished.
- Changes align presidential elections with legislative polls.
- Concerns over civil liberties have been raised.
San Salvador, August 1 (NationPress) On Thursday, El Salvador's National Assembly sanctioned revisions to the nation's constitution, permitting President Nayib Bukele, currently in his second term, to seek re-election indefinitely. Bukele's political party, which dominates the legislature, voted to abolish presidential term limits and increase the presidential term from five to six years, as stated in a release from the National Assembly on X.
The constitutional amendments affecting five articles were endorsed by 57 lawmakers, while three opposed the changes, according to the National Assembly's announcement. Ana Figueroa, a lawmaker from Nuevas Ideas who proposed the amendment, emphasized that these changes will align presidential elections with legislative and municipal elections.
Figueroa pointed out that legislators and local officials, including mayors, currently do not face term limits. Although President Bukele's current term concludes in 2029, Figueroa suggested that his term should finish in 2027 to align with legislative elections, allowing him to seek a six-year term thereafter.
Bukele first assumed office in 2019 and successfully won a second term in 2024. Legal experts previously indicated that El Salvador's Constitution prohibited consecutive presidential terms. However, after Bukele's legislative allies appointed new judges to the Supreme Court, the court reinterpreted the constitution, clearing the way for Bukele to run for president again.
During his presidency, the 44-year-old leader has centralized authority, guiding his Nuevas Ideas party to a supermajority in the legislature and implementing aggressive measures against gangs through mass arrests. Under Bukele's government, gang-related killings and extortion have notably decreased. Nonetheless, human rights advocates in El Salvador have raised concerns over the erosion of civil liberties.
Earlier in June, Bukele declared he would prefer to be labeled a dictator than to allow criminals to operate freely. He also referred to himself as US President Donald Trump's closest ally in Latin America, agreeing to imprison immigrants expelled from the United States under Trump's deportation strategy in exchange for the return of MS-13 gang members who were in US custody.
Point of View
Our stance remains firmly with the nation. The recent constitutional amendments present both opportunities and challenges for El Salvador's political landscape. While the changes could empower governance, they also raise concerns about democratic principles and civil rights. It is crucial to monitor how these developments will shape the future of the country and its democratic institutions.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes were made to El Salvador's constitution?
El Salvador's National Assembly approved amendments that extend the presidential term from five to six years and eliminate term limits, allowing President Nayib Bukele to seek re-election indefinitely.
Why did the National Assembly make these changes?
The changes aim to align presidential elections with legislative and municipal elections, according to lawmaker Ana Figueroa, who proposed the amendment.
What has been the impact of Bukele's presidency?
Under Bukele's leadership, gang violence has reportedly decreased, but concerns about civil liberties and human rights have surfaced among defenders.
How has Bukele justified his actions?
Bukele has stated he would rather be called a dictator than allow criminals to operate with impunity, positioning himself as a strong leader in the fight against crime.
What legal changes allowed Bukele to run again?
After Bukele's allies appointed new judges to the Supreme Court, the court reinterpreted the constitution, allowing him to run for re-election despite earlier prohibitions on consecutive terms.
