El Salvador Approves Indefinite Reelection for President Bukele
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El Salvador’s legislature has passed sweeping constitutional reforms, allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending presidential terms to six years, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and concern over democratic backsliding.
Bukele Gains Path to Remain in Power Beyond 2029
In a 57–3 vote, President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party and its allies pushed through five major reforms, including the removal of presidential term limits and the elimination of run-off elections. These changes pave the way for Bukele to seek unlimited terms in office.
“Power has returned to the only place that it truly belongs… to the Salvadoran people,” said Suecy Callejas, Vice President of the Legislative Assembly.
BREAKING: El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection and extends presidential terms to six years. https://t.co/CXzG27wAbp
Lawmaker Ana Figueroa proposed ending Bukele’s current term two years early, aligning future presidential elections with congressional elections. If approved, Bukele’s term would conclude on June 1, 2027, rather than 2029.
She argued this would save up to $50 million in taxpayer funds by eliminating the need for run-off elections.
Opposition Warns of Rising Authoritarianism
Opposition lawmaker Marcela Villatoro criticized the move as a serious threat to democratic norms. “You don’t realize what indefinite reelection brings. It brings an accumulation of power and weakens democracy,” she warned.
Opponents say the reforms will foster nepotism, clientelism, and limit political participation.
The reforms arrive amid concerns over human rights, with reports in June of government critics being jailed and civil society lawyers detained pending trial.
Bukele Remains Popular Despite Global Scrutiny
Despite global criticism, Bukele continues to enjoy strong domestic approval. A recent survey from the University of El Salvador showed 78% approval for his second term, while another poll rated him 8.15 out of 10 for his sixth year in office.
Bitcoin Policy Under Scrutiny as Reforms Advance
These constitutional changes coincide with renewed attention to El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy. Although the IMF claims no new Bitcoin purchases were made since the $1.4 billion loan agreement in December 2024, the official Bitcoin Office reports continued daily acquisitions.
El Salvador currently holds 6,255.18 BTC, with 31 added in the last 30 days, according to on-chain data.
The country recently signed an agreement with Bolivia’s top bank to expand crypto infrastructure across Latin America.
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