Overview

• On July 31, the Legislative Assembly backed express constitutional amendments by a 57–3 vote to abolish presidential term limits, extend terms to six years and eliminate runoff elections
• A transitional clause will shorten President Bukele’s current mandate to 2027 so he can immediately seek another term without restrictions
• President Bukele defended the package on X, arguing that 90% of developed countries allow unlimited reelection and attributing criticism to a double standard against “small and poor” nations
• NGOs including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, WOLA and Cristosal denounced the reforms as a “mortal blow” to democracy and warned they signal a slide toward authoritarian rule
• The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has begun adapting its strategic plans and procedures to align the February 2027 elections with the amended constitution