El Salvador's Legislative Assembly Approves Controversial Presidential Reelection Reform

On Thursday, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador, dominated by President Nayib Bukele's New Ideas (NI) party, ratified a contentious reform allowing for indefinite presidential reelection. This significant amendment alters several key articles of the Salvadoran Constitution, specifically articles 75, 80, 133, 152, and 154. Notably, it abolishes the requirement for a second electoral round and extends the presidential term from five to six years. The legislative session from which this reform emerged was rather unprecedented, as it witnessed the amendment being approved mere hours prior to the ratification. The head of state swiftly ordered its publication in the Official Gazette, paving the way for its formal endorsement. With an overwhelming vote of 57 out of 60 deputies in favor, the ruling party solidified the constitutional change with surprising rapidity. The latest legislative decree underscores the urgency and appropriateness as stated by the assembly. A particular transitional provision embedded in the reform reduces the current presidential term from 2029 to 2027, ensuring that presidential, legislative, and municipal elections coincide in the same year. It's important to note the minimal opposition to this decision – only three votes were cast against the reform, all from opposition members. Notably, there were no formal speeches made by deputies either supporting or condemning the reform before or after the vote, raising questions about the legitimacy and democratic process underpinning this monumental change. Interestingly, the amendment to article 80 denotes the removal of penalties on citizens advocating for reelection, while article 152 obliterates the previous restriction that disqualified presidential candidates who had served more than six consecutive months in the last term. Such elimination broadens the scope for incumbent leaders, placing them in favorable positions when seeking reelection. Criticism of this reform has been vocal, especially from opposition deputy Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA). She condemned the legislators' actions, arguing that they represent a stark departure from democratic values, likening their decision to a public admission of 'killing democracy' under the guise of legality. According to Villatoro, they have essentially dismantled the Constitution itself with this reform. This legislative action follows President Bukele's inauguration for his second consecutive term, which began on June 1, 2024, despite numerous constitutional articles prohibiting such an extension. This controversial ruling was made possible by a reinterpretation from the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, whose members were appointed during a questionable legislative process initiated by the NI in 2021. At the time of his election in February 2021, President Bukele himself expressed skepticism on the necessity of a constitutional reform permitting indefinite reelection, stating, 'I don't think the constitutional reform is necessary.' This remark starkly contrasts with the actions taken by his party and the Legislative Assembly now. Additionally, during the same session, another constitutional amendment was ratified that aims to withdraw El Salvador from the Central American Parliament, further consolidating the executive's control over national legislative processes. As El Salvador navigates this uncharted territory of governance and constitutional flexibility, the implications for the country's democratic integrity and political landscape remain uncertain. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2