El Salvador Moves Toward Indefinite Reelection Amidst Concerns of Autocracy

On the afternoon of July 31, as El Salvador marked Journalists Day under a backdrop of systematic harassment and exile for dissenting reporters, the Legislative Assembly approved a significant constitutional reform aimed at enabling indefinite reelection for President Nayib Bukele. This pivotal shift consolidates Bukele’s increasingly autocratic governance model, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country. The legislative amendments proposed primarily by the ruling Nuevas Ideas party include reforms to articles 75, 80, 133, 152, and 154 of the Salvadoran Constitution. These changes extend the presidential term from five to six years and abolish the requirement for a second round in elections, allowing a candidate to win with a simple majority of votes—modifications that were long anticipated by political analysts. Ruling party representative Ana Figueroa defended the reforms, stating they empower Salvadorans to determine how long they wish to support their president. She argued that the reforms are necessary for greater stability in electoral cycles, consolidating various electoral processes to create a more coherent and predictable political landscape. This decree dictates that the current presidential term, which began on June 1, 2024, will end early on June 1, 2027, with an eye toward synchronizing presidential, legislative, and municipal elections. Historically, while all elected offices in El Salvador have been eligible for reelection without restrictions, the presidency had faced prohibitions. Bukele's ascent to power has coincided with a transformation of these dynamics, where critiques of democratic integrity are increasingly voiced. Opposition leader Marcela Villatoro lamented the current state of affairs, suggesting that the ruling party had discarded any pretense of preserving democratic norms, effectively paving the way for the death of democratic governance. The reforms come after Bukele's controversial second term commenced amidst allegations of illegality, having been facilitated by a Supreme Court that has been criticized for its political ties to Bukele's administration. Critics argue that the current Assembly, armed with a supermajority, is abusing its power by sidestepping necessary legislative debates and due process to further entrench Bukele’s presidency. In his earlier tenure, Bukele vehemently denied ambitions for immediate reelection, but this stance shifted following a September 2021 ruling from judges, affiliated with his party, that reversed longstanding constitutional interpretations prohibiting consecutive presidential terms. Following this ruling, Bukele confirmed his intent to seek re-election in 2024, a move that underscores a broader trend of populist autocrats in Latin America bending legal frameworks to entrench their power. As political maneuvers unfold, observers are increasingly concerned about the implications of these reforms not just for El Salvador, but for the region as a whole, where similar actions have led to the erosion of democratic institutions and norms. The outcome of this legislative action further fuels the narrative of a democracy under threat, igniting debates about the future governance of a nation caught between aspirations for democratic stability and the stark realities of evolving autocratic practices. As the world watches, the recent developments in El Salvador serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic processes, underscoring the necessity for vigilance and advocacy for fundamental freedoms amid encroaching authoritarianism. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2