El Salvador Ends Presidential Term Limits in Vote

El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly, controlled by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, approved constitutional reforms abolishing presidential term limits and extending presidential terms from five to six years, with a 57-3 supermajority. The reforms, pushed through without extensive debate or consultation, allow Bukele to seek indefinite reelection and reschedule all major elections to 2027 by shortening the current term. Supporters argue the changes give voters more power to determine officials' tenure. Critics, including opposition lawmakers and human rights groups, warn of increased risks of autocracy, corruption, and weakened checks and balances, citing the lack of transparency in the process. Concerns remain over the erosion of civil liberties amid Bukele’s ongoing crackdown on crime and civil society. The reforms still require a second ratification vote before becoming law.