President Nayib Bukele emphasized that in a democratic system, power belongs to the people, following public support for indefinite presidential reelection and improved security under his administration. His remarks came after the United States government expressed support for the Legislative Assembly’s constitutional reform process, which enables indefinite reelection in El Salvador.

Quoting the origins of the term “democracy,” Bukele wrote on his Facebook account: “Democracy, from the Greek: demos = people, cratos = power. Democracy = power of the people. Not the power of those who wrote a piece of paper in the middle of a war 40 years ago. Some will understand, others won’t.”

CNN reported that Salvadoran citizens interviewed largely favored allowing Bukele to seek another term, citing the country’s notable improvements in public safety. Vendors, workers, and residents told the network they now feel safer walking freely and traveling nationwide without fear of gang violence.

The U.S. State Department stated last Tuesday that it rejects comparisons between El Salvador’s legislative process—carried out by democratically elected representatives—and “illegitimate dictatorial regimes” elsewhere in the region. It stressed that the Legislative Assembly was elected in free elections on February 4, 2024, with participation from 10 political parties, and therefore has the authority to enact constitutional changes.

In the current 2024–2027 legislature, the Nuevas Ideas party holds 54 seats, joined by PCN (2 seats) and PDC (1 seat) in securing the 57 votes needed to pass the constitutional amendment. Opposition parties ARENA and Vamos voted against the measure, while Nuestro Tiempo lost its legal status after failing to meet electoral requirements.

The reform, approved in a qualified majority, now allows the possibility of indefinite presidential reelection in El Salvador—an issue that remains opposed by some political factions but supported by many citizens according to recent media reports.