El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly has approved major constitutional reforms that allow President Nayib Bukele to run for re-election indefinitely. The package, passed with 57 votes in favour and only three against, was spearheaded by Bukele’s ruling party, New Ideas, and its allies.

The reforms extend the presidential term from five to six years, remove the need for runoff voting in elections, and allow the president to seek re-election an unlimited number of times. These changes effectively pave the way for Bukele to remain in power well beyond his current term.

Ana Figueroa, a lawmaker from New Ideas, proposed ending Bukele’s current term two years early to align future presidential and legislative elections. If this adjustment is approved, Bukele’s current term would end on 1 June 2027 instead of 1 June 2029.

Source: The Associated Press

Supporters argue these reforms will reduce election costs and increase efficiency. Figueroa claimed that eliminating runoff elections would save the country approximately $50 million, which could be redirected to public services like hospitals and schools.

Opposition Warns of Authoritarianism

The changes have sparked concern among opposition politicians and civil rights groups. Critics say the move threatens democratic institutions by centralising too much power in the hands of one individual.

Marcela Villatoro, a lawmaker from the Nationalist Republican Alliance

Marcela Villatoro, a lawmaker from the Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA), was one of the three who voted against the reforms. She warned, “You don’t realise what indefinite re-election brings: It brings an accumulation of power and weakens democracy.” She also highlighted the risks of increased corruption, nepotism, and reduced political participation.

Despite the backlash, the government insists the changes reflect the will of the Salvadoran people. Suecy Callejas, Vice President of the Legislative Assembly and member of New Ideas, defended the move: “Power has returned to the only place that it truly belongs … to the Salvadoran people.”

Human Rights Concerns Grow

The political reforms come amid growing fears of democratic backsliding in El Salvador. In June, Bukele’s government faced international criticism after detaining a lawyer known for his critical stance against the administration. In the same month, another human rights lawyer was sentenced to six months in prison pending trial.

These incidents have raised alarm bells among international observers and human rights groups, who view them as signs of increasing authoritarianism under Bukele’s leadership.

However, Bukele remains highly popular within El Salvador. A poll by the University of El Salvador found over 78% of respondents approved of his performance in the first year of his second term. Another survey by Iudop-UCA rated his sixth year in office at 8.15 out of 10.

Bitcoin Policy Still Controversial

Amid these political developments, El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy continues to attract international attention. The country made headlines in 2021 by becoming the first in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. However, the policy has drawn mixed reviews.

According to a recent IMF report, El Salvador has not purchased additional Bitcoin since agreeing to a $1.4 billion loan deal in December 2024. The loan required the country to scale back its crypto investments.

This statement contradicts claims by the country’s official Bitcoin Office, which says El Salvador continues to buy 1 Bitcoin per day. A June 16 report indicated that 240 Bitcoin had been purchased since the IMF deal was signed. As of now, the country holds 6,255.18 BTC, and the reserve has grown by 31 BTC over the past month.

El Salvador also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Bolivia’s largest bank to help develop Bolivia’s crypto infrastructure and regulatory framework. This move suggests the country is doubling down on its position as a crypto innovator in Latin America.

A Balancing Act Between Popularity and Power

President Bukele’s combination of strong domestic support, bold economic policies, and controversial political reforms continues to define his leadership. While many Salvadorans back him for reducing crime and boosting national pride, others especially outside the country, worry that the president is weakening democratic checks and balances.

As El Salvador moves forward with these constitutional changes and its ongoing Bitcoin experiment, the global community is watching closely to see whether Bukele is reshaping the nation for the better—or eroding the democratic foundations it once stood on.