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San Salvador, 2 August 2025 — El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has approved sweeping constitutional reforms that permit indefinite presidential re-election, extend presidential terms from five to six years, and eliminate runoff elections. These changes pave the way for President Nayib Bukele to remain in power indefinitely, raising alarm among human rights advocates and democratic institutions worldwide.
The reforms were passed swiftly, with 57 out of 60 lawmakers voting in favor, all aligned with Bukele’s ruling party, Nuevas Ideas. Critics argue the move dismantles the last remaining checks on executive power and undermines the country’s democratic framework. Opposition lawmaker Marcela Villatoro declared, “Today democracy died in El Salvador,” while Claudia Ortiz called the reform “an abuse of power and a caricature of democracy”.
Bukele, who won re-election in 2024 with over 85% of the vote, has consolidated control over the judiciary and legislature. His administration has been accused of repressing dissent, targeting journalists, and violating due process during mass arrests under a prolonged state of emergency.
International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have condemned the reforms, warning that El Salvador is following the path of authoritarian regimes like Venezuela. Legal experts point to Advisory Opinion 28/21 from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which states that indefinite re-election is not a human right and poses a threat to representative democracy.
While Bukele remains popular for his aggressive crackdown on gangs, the erosion of democratic norms and civil liberties casts a long shadow over El Salvador’s future.
