Backed by 57 signatures, Deputy Ana Figueroa has introduced a proposal to reform key articles of El Salvador’s Constitution, aiming to modernize the electoral system and grant greater power to the people. The proposed amendments target articles 75, 80, 133, 152, and 154, with the most notable changes being the extension of the presidential term to six years and the unification of all elections into a single cycle.
Figueroa explained that the goal is to “standardize the presidential election with the rest of the popularly elected offices,” removing existing restrictions so that “citizens themselves decide how long to support or not support a president’s work.”
The extension of the presidential term, she added, would bring stability to the country’s electoral calendar, reduce costs, and boost legal certainty. “This creates a more favorable environment for investment and long-term development,” she said. She criticized the 1983 Constitution, calling it “the constitution of D’Aubuisson, founder of the corrupt ARENA party,” and emphasized that it was written during a time of national crisis.
“A generation should not bind the next ones to its laws. The people must always have the right to revise their Constitution,” Figueroa stated, invoking the principle of self-determination.
The proposal also includes eliminating the second round of presidential elections—an event that costs approximately $50 million. “This money could be better spent on areas with greater social need,” she argued.
Finally, the reform to Article 154 suggests ending the current presidential term in 2027 to synchronize future presidential, legislative, and municipal elections. According to Figueroa, this would prevent ongoing electoral campaigns and streamline the democratic process.