On August 1, 2025, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly—dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas party—voted overwhelmingly (57 to 3) to approve constitutional amendments allowing the president to be re-elected indefinitely. Presidential terms are also extended from five to six years, and runoff elections when no candidate wins a first-round majority have been eliminated. Bukele’s current term, originally set to end in 2029, was shortened to conclude in 2027 to align presidential and legislative elections. (turn0news11)

Key Points

• Indefinite re-election permitted: Presidents can now seek unlimited consecutive terms.
• Term length increase: Each term is extended to six years.
• Runoff elections abolished: Winners are decided in a single round.
• Vote outcome: 57 in favor, 3 against in the 60-seat assembly.
• Opposition reaction: Lawmaker Marcela Villatoro declared “democracy in El Salvador has died.” (turn0search5)

Political & Historical Context

• Previous precedent: In 2021, a Bukele-aligned Supreme Court ruled that the constitution allowed immediate re-election, overturning a prior ban. That paved the way for his 2024 re-election. (turn0search0, turn0search42)
• Institutional control: Bukele’s administration holds tight control over the legislature and judiciary, raising concerns about checks and balances. Independent institutions and political opposition have seen repression and marginalization. (turn0search38)

Implications & Future Outlook

1. Consolidation of power
   These reforms place El Salvador on a trajectory similar to Venezuela under Hugo Chávez, where presidential term limits were removed despite opposition and criticism. (turn0search5)
2. Democratic backsliding concerns
   Human Rights Watch and local critics argue that the reforms erode democratic institutions and civic participation, paving the way for authoritarian governance. (turn0news14)
3. Political opposition weakened
   With diminished electoral competitiveness and reduced checks on executive power, major parties like ARENA and FMLN face an uphill battle in influencing political outcomes.
4. Regional and international comparisons
   Bukele has drawn admiration from regional populists and parallels to Trump-aligned leaders. White House aides, such as Dan Scavino, have publicly referenced El Salvador’s indefinite reelection model in a provocative context. (turn0news13)
5. Policy outcomes over political cycles
   Supporters point to Bukele’s popularity—rooted in his aggressive crackdown on gangs and reduced homicide rates—as justification. Yet longer terms reduce electoral recourse and potential to alter policy direction.

On August 1, 2025, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly—dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas party—voted overwhelmingly (57 to 3) to approve constitutional amendments allowing the president to be re-elected indefinitely. Presidential terms are also extended from five to six years, and runoff elections when no candidate wins a first-round majority have been eliminated. Bukele’s current