Kathrine Frich
Despite democratic concerns, Bukele remains very popular at home.
Despite democratic concerns, Bukele remains very popular at home.
Bukele Wins Right to Rule Indefinitely
El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele has cleared the way to stay in power for as long as he wants.
On Thursday, his ruling party passed a major electoral reform that allows indefinite presidential re-election.
The move is a shock to many , especially since it defies the country’s original constitutional limits.
From Ban to Green Light
El Salvador’s constitution used to ban presidents from serving two consecutive terms.
But that changed in 2021 when judges loyal to Bukele ruled that reelection is a “human right.”
That ruling opened the door for Bukele to win a second term, and now a third, fourth, or more.
New Rules, New Game
The reform doesn’t just allow indefinite re-election.
It also extends presidential terms from five to six years and removes the second round of voting in elections.
These changes, pushed through by Bukele’s New Ideas party, passed with 57 votes in favor and only 3 against.
Opposition Sounds the Alarm
Not everyone is happy. Opposition MP Marcela Villatoro declared, “Today, democracy died in El Salvador.”
Her party, ARENA, says the reform paves the way for a one-party state.
Critics worry that Bukele is tightening his grip and erasing checks on his power.
A Popular Strongman
Despite democratic concerns, Bukele remains very popular at home.
His aggressive anti-gang crackdown has made streets safer and cut murder rates dramatically.
But human rights groups say the policy has also jailed thousands of innocent people without due process.
One Election to Rule Them All
Another big change is election timing.
From now on, El Salvador will hold all national elections, presidential, legislative, and municipal, at the same time.
Analysts say this is likely to give the ruling party an even bigger advantage.
“Coolest Dictator” or Autocrat in Disguise?
Bukele jokingly calls himself “the world’s coolest dictator,” but his critics say that joke is turning into reality.
Humanitarian group Cristosal has already left the country, calling itself “in exile.” They say Bukele’s rule is moving toward full-blown authoritarianism.
