Bukele’s Power Grab: El Salvador Alters Constitution, Paving Way for Lifetime Presidency
El Salvador’s ruling party, Nuevas Ideas, on August 1, 2025, pushed through sweeping constitutional amendments. These changes permit indefinite presidential reelection and extend presidential terms to six years.
The move has sparked immediate outrage from opposition parties and international human rights groups. Critics argue this undermines democratic principles and concentrates power excessively in President Nayib Bukele’s hands. They fear a slide towards authoritarianism.
Supporters, however, claim the changes empower voters by allowing them to choose their preferred leader for extended periods. They view the move as a reflection of popular support for Bukele’s policies.
This constitutional overhaul could allow President Bukele to seek reelection sooner than previously allowed under existing legal frameworks. His current term ends in 2024.
The implications for El Salvador’s democratic trajectory are profound. This sets a worrying precedent for other nations in the region, potentially emboldening similar power grabs by populist leaders. The international community must closely monitor the situation and consider appropriate responses.
