The amendment was passed in an urgent session, where 57 deputies supporting Bukele in the legislative assembly voted in favor, against only three opposition votes. The decision allows for re-election “without restrictions,” extends the term from five to six years, and eliminates the second round of elections.
Bukele, aged 44 and self-described as a “gentle dictator,” took office in 2019 and was re-elected in 2024 with a sweeping majority after a Supreme Court decision allowed him to bypass the constitutional ban on running for consecutive terms.
The President of the Legislative Assembly, Ernesto Castro, from the ruling “New Ideas” party, stated: “Thank you for making history, deputies.” The reforms also included unifying the dates for legislative, presidential, and municipal elections, reducing the current presidential term by two years to hold general elections in March 2027 instead of 2029.
Bukele enjoys wide popularity domestically due to policies that have reduced violence rates to historic lows.
It is noteworthy that in April 2024, the parliament passed an amendment that removed the requirement for ratification of constitutional changes in a subsequent session, facilitating the passage of the current reforms.
