El Salvador Term Limits Abolished: Bukele’s Path to Extended Power Cleared

The gavel fell in San Salvador on July 31, 2025, cementing a constitutional transformation that reshapes El Salvador’s democracy. Lawmakers loyal to President Nayib Bukele abolished presidential term limits, extended terms from five to six years, and synchronized all elections for 2027. With Bukele’s party commanding 57 of 60 legislative seats, the reforms passed rapidly amid sparse debate, igniting both celebration and alarm about the nation’s democratic trajectory.

Historic Constitutional Changes Passed

The sweeping reforms dismantle foundational guardrails established after El Salvador’s civil war. Crucially, the legislation scraps Article 152 of the constitution, which barred presidents from serving consecutive terms. Now, leaders like Bukele—whose security policies slashed homicide rates by 70% since 2019, per the Latin America Risk Report—can seek indefinite reelection. Term extensions align with Bukele’s argument that “stability demands continuity,” though critics note the changes were fast-tracked without judicial review or public consultation. The Legislative Assembly’s session lasted under two hours, with opposition members decrying the move as a “constitutional coup” (El Faro, July 31, 2025).

Popularity Versus Institutional Erosion

Bukele’s approval ratings hover near 90%, fueled by his controversial security crackdown that jailed 76,000 alleged gang members. Markets initially rallied; the IMF recorded 3.1% GDP growth in 2024, attributing it to restored investor confidence. Yet parallel concerns mount. The new electoral rules—allowing victory via plurality, not majority—could marginalize minority parties. José Miguel Cruz, a Central American governance expert at Florida International University, warns: “Eliminating term limits concentrates power and weakens checks vital to preventing authoritarian drift” (Americas Quarterly, August 2025).

Regional Echoes and Global Scrutiny

El Salvador joins Nicaragua and Honduras in removing term barriers, reflecting a broader Central American trend. The Organization of American States (OAS) expressed “profound concern,” noting diminished electoral competitiveness. While Bukele’s supporters argue the changes reflect popular will, watchdogs document rising press intimidation—including the shuttering of independent outlets like GatoEncerrado. The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Report cited “systematic erosion of judicial independence,” complicating bilateral relations.

El Salvador stands at a crossroads: buoyed by unprecedented security gains yet navigating uncharted democratic waters. As Bukele eyes 2027, citizens and investors alike must weigh short-term stability against enduring institutional safeguards. Monitor official updates from the Legislative Assembly and verified analysts to understand this pivotal moment’s global implications.

Must Know

Q: What exactly changed in El Salvador’s constitution?
A: The reforms abolish presidential term limits, extend terms from five to six years, and synchronize all elections to 2027. Presidents can now run indefinitely and win with a plurality of votes.

Q: Why did Bukele’s party push these changes?
A: Supporters cite Bukele’s popularity and argue continuity is essential to sustain security and economic progress. The ruling party holds 95% of legislative seats, enabling swift approval.

Q: How do Salvadorans view the reforms?
A: Polls by La Prensa Gráfica (August 2025) show 85% back Bukele’s security policies, but only 52% support term-limit removal, revealing a complex divide.

Q: What risks do analysts highlight?
A: Experts warn of democratic backsliding, including reduced opposition viability and institutional decay. The OAS notes parallels to authoritarian shifts in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Q: Could this affect foreign investment?
A: Short-term stability may attract capital, but long-term institutional weakness could deter it. The Central American Bank for Economic Integration monitors credit-risk impacts.

Q: When will the next election occur?
A: All elections are now synchronized for 2027, when Bukele is widely expected to seek a third term.