Changes to El Salvador's constitution might let President Bukele stay in power for years

El Salvador's legislative changes could extend President Bukele's rule indefinitely due to abolished term limits.

: El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has approved changes to extend presidential terms from five to six years and remove term limits, paving the way for President Nayib Bukele to potentially rule indefinitely. Bukele, elected in 2019, initially faced re-election restrictions in 2024, but his New Ideas Party helped him sidestep these through Supreme Court changes. Amid concerns of rising authoritarianism, critics like Marcela Villatoro warn these changes undermine democracy by concentrating power. Meanwhile, Bukele's focus on crypto investments remains controversial, risking economic stability despite international agreements.

Nayib Bukele won his initial presidency by promising to crack down on gang violence, a pervasive issue in El Salvador. His tenure, initially limited by constitutional rules to one term, has taken a turn with recent legislative changes allowing for extended rule. With the Legislative Assembly’s approval of constitutional reforms, Bukele could remain in power, having the potential to extend his influence well beyond traditional limits.

These reforms extend the presidential term from five to six years and eliminate term limits altogether. The New Ideas Party, aligned with Bukele, has played a crucial role in expelling Supreme Court members opposing the president, thus clearing pathways for constitutional amendments. With a 57 to 3 vote favoring these changes, Bukele’s continuation in power becomes increasingly feasible.

Effects of these changes echo warnings from opposition figures such as Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance, who stresses that indefinite reelection fosters power accumulation and erodes democratic values. There are concerns of increasing corruption and nepotism within the government, paralleled by diminished democratic participation.

The context of these political maneuvers is further complicated by Bukele’s bold economic steps, notably with cryptocurrency. El Salvador has significant cryptocurrency holdings, about 15% of its reserves in Bitcoin. Despite volatile nature, the government has ignored international agreements concerning crypto regulation, challenging its relations with bodies like the IMF.

Bukele’s alliances are also noteworthy. His connection with figures such as Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, especially given their mutual support. Meetings have highlighted shared policy inclinations, particularly concerning strict immigration policies. This alliance and Bukele’s politically audacious domestic moves paint a complex picture of his leadership strategy.

Sources: Gizmodo, AP News, The Guardian

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