El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has passed significant constitutional amendments that open the door for President Nayib Bukele to seek reelection without term limits, paving the way for him to potentially stay in office indefinitely.
In a vote of 57–3, lawmakers from Bukele’s ruling party, New Ideas, and its allies endorsed a set of five constitutional reforms. These changes extend presidential terms from five to six years and remove the requirement for runoff elections in presidential races, according to official legislative documents.
Critics argue the move represents a dangerous consolidation of power, removing a key democratic safeguard and heightening concerns over authoritarianism. Detractors say term limits are essential for maintaining a balance of power and preventing long-term rule.
Among the proposals was a suggestion by lawmaker Ana Figueroa to conclude Bukele’s current term two years early, aligning presidential elections with legislative ones. If implemented, his current term would end on June 1, 2027, rather than 2029. Figueroa claimed the shift would not only simplify the electoral process but also cut public spending. “Each second-round vote costs the government close to $50 million. That money could be better spent on building hospitals or schools,” she said.
Concerns Over Democratic Erosion
Marcela Villatoro, an opposition member from the Nationalist Republican Alliance, was one of the few lawmakers who rejected the changes. She warned the reforms marked a serious blow to democracy in the country. “Allowing indefinite reelection creates a monopoly on power, encourages nepotism, and dismantles democratic processes,” Villatoro said, as reported by the Associated Press.
In defense of the changes, Suecy Callejas, vice president of the Legislative Assembly and member of Bukele’s party, asserted that the reforms return control to the citizens. “The people of El Salvador are now the true holders of power,” she stated.
These constitutional shifts have fueled ongoing global concerns about democratic regression under Bukele’s leadership.
Ongoing Human Rights and Governance Scrutiny
In recent months, international watchdogs have raised alarms over civil liberties in El Salvador. In June, the administration faced backlash after the detention of a lawyer critical of Bukele, with another legal professional connected to a human rights group being sentenced to six months in jail while awaiting trial.
Still, Bukele continues to enjoy strong support at home. A poll conducted by the University of El Salvador’s Public Opinion Lab revealed over 78% approval for his performance in the first year of his current term. A separate survey by Iudop-UCA rated his sixth year in office at 8.15 out of 10.
Bitcoin and Economic Policy Under Scrutiny
These reforms come as the country faces divided opinions over its Bitcoin-centered economic strategy. A recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report noted that El Salvador hasn’t made any Bitcoin purchases since signing a $1.4 billion financing agreement in December 2024, in which the country pledged to reduce crypto exposure.
That claim clashes with data from the government’s official Bitcoin Office, which insists the nation still acquires 1 BTC daily. A separate June 16 update reported that 240 Bitcoin were purchased post-IMF deal signing.
El Salvador currently holds around 6,255 BTC, with an increase of 31 BTC recorded in the last 30 days, according to government figures.
On the international stage, El Salvador recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Bolivia’s largest financial institution, aimed at strengthening Bolivia’s crypto regulatory framework and digital asset infrastructure.
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