El Salvador’s Election Reform
El Salvador’s National Assembly approved constitutional reforms recently, allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending presidential terms from five to six years. The changes, driven by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, remove the ban on multiple presidential terms and eliminate the second round of elections. These reforms have sparked intense debate about democracy and authoritarianism in the country.
Recent Constitutional Changes
The National Assembly passed amendments to five constitutional articles. The reforms enable presidents to seek unlimited reelection and extend each term to six years. The second-round runoff election was also abolished. The changes passed with a supermajority of 57 votes in favour and only three against.
Political Context and Support
President Bukele, in office since 2019, was re-elected in 2024 with 85% of the vote despite a prior constitutional ban on immediate reelection. His party-appointed Supreme Court had already permitted a second term in 2021. Bukele’s supporters argue that federal legislators and mayors already enjoy unlimited reelection rights, so the presidency should be treated similarly. The reform also synchronises presidential and legislative elections by shortening Bukele’s current term to 2027.
Criticism and Concerns
Opposition voices warn the reforms threaten democracy. Critics show risks of power concentration, corruption, nepotism and weakened political participation. Marcela Villatoro, one of the few opposition lawmakers, declared that democracy has died in El Salvador. Human rights groups and journalists have raised alarms over arrests of government critics and human rights defenders following the reforms.
Broader Political Implications
El Salvador now joins Nicaragua and Venezuela as Latin American countries without presidential term limits. The reforms mark a shift towards a more centralised executive power. This raises questions about the balance between stability, popular mandate and democratic safeguards in emerging democracies. The abolition of the runoff election may also affect electoral competitiveness.
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