Summary:
El Salvador has recently amended its constitution to allow presidents to run for re-election indefinitely and extend their term limits from five to six years. The changes, proposed by the New Ideas party led by President Nayib Bukele, passed with overwhelming support in the Legislative Assembly. Critics argue these amendments threaten democracy by concentrating power and fostering corruption, while supporters emphasize voter sovereignty. Bukele, despite earlier statements, now has the potential to seek a third term, raising questions about the future of governance in El Salvador.
What This Means for You:
- Enhanced Political Stability: Longer presidential terms may lead to more consistent policy implementation.
- Risk of Power Consolidation: Indefinite re-election could reduce political competition and accountability.
- Impact on Democratic Institutions: Be aware of potential erosion of checks and balances in government.
- Future Outlook: Monitor how these changes affect governance and public trust in El Salvador and beyond.
Original Post:
Presidents in El Salvador can now run for re-election as many times as they like, and their term limits will also be one year longer — thanks to a recent amendment in the country’s constitution.
The Legislative Assembly and the New Ideas party, which El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele is a member of, voted on the constitutional changes on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
The proposed amendments passed with a vote of 57 – 3.
“This is quite simple, El Salvador: Only you will have the power to decide how long you wish to support the work of any public official, including your president,” said lawmaker Ana Figueroa, the New Ideas party member who proposed the constitutional changes, according to Reuters.
“You have the power to decide how long you support your president and all elected officials,” she continued.
Prior to the vote, presidents weren’t allowed to run for immediate re-election.
Though that didn’t stop Bukele, who won a landslide re-election in 2024 that critics said was unconstitutional, according to Fox News.
Now, presidents can be re-elected indefinitely, and their term limits will be six years instead of five.
Figueroa proposed changes to five articles of El Salvador’s constitution. One of those changes eliminated run-off voting, where the two candidates with the most votes in the first round face off in a second.
While the recent amendments open the door for Bukele to serve a third term, critics say the changes pose a threat to democracy.
“Today, democracy has died in El Salvador,” said Marcela Villatoro, a Republican National Alliance member who voted “no” to the amendments, according to Reuters.
“You don’t realize what indefinite re-election brings: It brings an accumulation of power and weakens democracy. … There’s corruption and clientelism because nepotism grows and halts democracy and political participation,” Villatoro said, according to AP.
Bukele told Time Magazine in 2024 that he had no intentions of running for a third term.
But a president leaving office in El Salvador faces certain risks.
Three of Bukele’s predecessors have been either arrested or indicted, according to Time.
“I used to be the safest person in the country. I had bodyguards and armored cars,” Bukele told Time. “Now the country has safety, but I do not. I traded my security for that of the Salvadoran public.
“As I said, everything in life has a cost.”
Extra Information:
Reuters provides an in-depth analysis of the constitutional changes.
Time Magazine offers insights into Bukele’s leadership style and political strategies.
Associated Press covers the legislative process and reactions from various stakeholders.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the new term limits for El Salvador’s president? The term limit has been extended from five to six years, with no restrictions on re-election.
- Why were these changes made? The changes were proposed to allow voters greater control over their leadership and ensure continuity in governance.
- What are the risks of indefinite re-election? It can lead to power concentration, reduced political accountability, and potential erosion of democratic norms.
- Has Nayib Bukele commented on running again? Bukele previously stated he had no plans for a third term but now has the option.
- How do these changes impact democracy? Critics argue they weaken democratic institutions by enabling long-term consolidation of power.
Expert Opinion:
Dr. Maria López, a political analyst specializing in Latin American governance, states, “The elimination of term limits in El Salvador reflects a broader regional trend towards centralizing power. While it may provide short-term stability, the long-term implications for democratic accountability are concerning.”
Key Terms:
- El Salvador constitutional amendment
- Nayib Bukele re-election
- Indefinite presidential terms
- El Salvador political reform
- Democracy and term limits
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