El Salvador Reforms End Presidential Term Limits

El Salvador's parliament, controlled by President Nayib Bukele's New Ideas party, has approved constitutional reforms abolishing presidential term limits and extending presidential terms from five to six years, allowing Bukele to seek indefinite reelection. The changes, passed 57-3, also eliminate presidential run-offs and synchronize all major elections to 2027. Critics, including opposition lawmakers and human rights groups, say the move threatens democracy, could entrench one-party rule, and has led to widespread arbitrary arrests under Bukele's administration. Supporters claim the reforms give voters more power to determine the length of officials' terms. Bukele remains popular for his anti-gang measures, credited with lowering homicide rates. The reforms still require a second ratification vote, which is expected to pass given the ruling party's supermajority.