Bitcoin News Today: El Salvador removes presidential term limits enabling Bukele indefinite re-election

El Salvador’s National Assembly has approved a set of constitutional amendments that effectively remove term limits for the presidency, allowing President Nayib Bukele to remain in office indefinitely. The reforms, passed with overwhelming support from Bukele’s New Ideas party and its allies in a 57–3 vote, also extend the presidential term from five to six years and eliminate the possibility of a runoff election [1]. The changes will bring the next presidential election forward to 2027, enabling Bukele to potentially remain in power until 2034 if re-elected [3].

The reforms were introduced and passed with minimal public debate, reinforcing concerns over democratic backsliding. Critics, including opposition lawmakers, have warned that the move centralizes power in the executive branch and undermines institutional checks and balances. Marcela Villatoro of the Nationalist Republican Alliance party, one of only three legislators to vote against the reforms, called the decision the “death of democracy in El Salvador,” arguing that indefinite re-election fosters corruption and clientelism [2]. Conversely, supporters, including New Ideas assembly member Suecy Callejas, defend the changes as a return of power to the people through democratic will [4].

Bukele’s New Ideas party has held a firm majority in both chambers of Congress since 2021, granting it the authority to bypass traditional legislative procedures. The reforms were introduced in June 2025 and passed within a month, raising further eyebrows over the speed and lack of public consultation [7]. Bukele has consistently argued that term limits hinder effective governance and that political stability is essential for maintaining the country’s progress, particularly in areas such as public safety and economic development [5].

Despite international concerns, Bukele remains highly popular domestically. Recent polling indicates strong public support, with 78% of respondents approving of his performance during the first year of his second term, and another survey awarding him an 8.15 out of 10 rating for his sixth year in office [5]. His government’s security policies have been credited with reducing gang-related violence, which many Salvadorans view as a key factor in their quality of life.

The reforms come amid broader scrutiny of El Salvador’s economic and cryptocurrency policies. The government has faced conflicting reports regarding its Bitcoin investments—while the International Monetary Fund reported no new purchases since 2024, the country’s official Bitcoin Office claims it continues to acquire 1 Bitcoin per day [6]. Currently, El Salvador holds 6,255.18 BTC, with an increase of 31 BTC in the last 30 days. The country has also pursued international partnerships, including a recent agreement with Bolivia to enhance crypto infrastructure [6].

The constitutional changes have been interpreted as part of a regional trend where leaders seek to consolidate power. While Bukele has not explicitly announced his re-election plans, the reforms provide a clear legal framework for extended governance. The international community remains divided, with some observers expressing concern over the implications for democratic norms in Latin America [7].

[1] El Salvador approves indefinite presidential reelection

https://www.npr.org/2025/07/31/nx-s1-5488299/el-salvador-approves-indefinite-presidential-reelection-extends-presidential-terms

[2] El Salvador abolishes presidential term limits, allowing Bukele to run again

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/08/01/el-salvador-abolishes-presidential-term-limits-allowing-bukele-to-run-again_6743973_4.html

[3] El Salvador scraps term limits, paving way for Bukele to run again

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd04q87zryo

[4] El Salvador approves changes to let Bukele extend presidential term

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/01/bukele-el-salvador-president-constitution-power/

[5] El Salvador Changes Constitution, Ending Term Limits for President Bukele

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/01/world/americas/el-salvador-bukele-term-limits.html

[6] El Salvador Now Allows Indefinite Presidential Reelection

https://cointelegraph.com/news/el-salvador-lawmakers-approve-indefinite-presidential-reelection

[7] El Salvador scraps presidential term limits, opening door to another Bukele term

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/el-salvador-scraps-presidential-term-limits-opening-door-another-bukele-term-2025-07-31/