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El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection
El Salvador's Legislative Assembly has approved constitutional changes for indefinite reelection for presidents.
El Salvador's government has approved changes allowing indefinite presidential reelection and longer terms.
El Salvador endorses indefinite presidential reelection with six-year terms
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — President Nayib Bukele's party made significant changes to the constitution on Thursday, allowing indefinite reelection for the presidency and extending presidential terms from five to six years. The Legislative Assembly, where Bukele's New Ideas party holds a supermajority, swiftly approved the reforms with a vote of 57 to 3. Lawmaker Ana Figueroa proposed these changes, which also eliminate the second round of presidential elections. Bukele previously won a controversial reelection in 2021 after the Supreme Court, with judges appointed by his party, ruled to allow it. Critics argue that these constitutional amendments threaten democracy, citing concerns over structural checks on presidential power.
Key Takeaways
"Democracy in El Salvador has died!"
Marcela Villatoro expresses concern over the new constitutional changes.
"Power has returned to the only place that it truly belongs ... to the Salvadoran people."
Suecy Callejas defends the reforms as restoring power to citizens.
"All of them have had the possibility of reelection through popular vote, the only exception until now has been the presidency."
Lawmaker Ana Figueroa justifies the removal of presidential term limits.
This constitutional overhaul reflects a growing trend of power consolidation among leaders in the region. By eliminating limits on reelection and extending terms, Bukele not only strengthens his grip on power but also sets a dangerous precedent for future leaders. Observers highlight that such changes can undermine democratic institutions and could lead to authoritarian governance. While Bukele remains hugely popular due to his tough stance on gang violence, the implications of these legal changes are worth a critical examination, particularly concerning the balance of power and citizen rights in El Salvador.
Highlights
- Indefinite reelection could lead to an erosion of democracy.
- What does this mean for the future of political power in El Salvador?
- Bukele's popularity masks a troubling consolidation of power.
- Democracy in El Salvador is at a critical crossroads.
Potential risks of constitutional changes
The approval of indefinite reelection raises serious concerns about the future of democratic governance in El Salvador. Critics worry it may lead to increased corruption, weakened political participation, and a shift towards authoritarianism.
The ramifications of this decision extend beyond El Salvador, impacting regional democracy.
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