The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump expressed its support for the constitutional reform approved in El Salvador that allows for indefinite presidential re-election, and dismissed comparisons of the Central American country to regional dictatorships such as Nicaragua or Venezuela.
In statements released by the State Department to the EFE agency, a spokesperson affirmed that the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly was democratically elected and therefore has the sovereign right to amend its Constitution.
“It is their right to decide how their country should be governed,” he stated. He also rejected “comparisons with illegitimate dictatorial regimes in other parts of the region.”
The constitutional reform, ratified last Friday, not only allows Bukele to run for a third consecutive term, but also extends the presidential term from five to six years and eliminates the runoff election.
Local opposition and international human rights organizations have warned that this represents a democratic setback that could solidify an authoritarian model.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported that these modifications undermine essential institutional guarantees and pave the way for the concentration of power.
For his part, Bukele defended the measure by arguing that countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, or Denmark also allow for indefinite reelection, and that the will of the people should prevail.
Under the argument of "giving total power to the Salvadoran people," Bukele has dismantled the constitutional principles that guaranteed political alternation and institutional checks and balances.
The result is a legal architecture tailored to the most popular and most powerful president in the recent history of the Central American country.
Trump's tacit support is not surprising, given that his administration maintained a close relationship with the Bukele government, including controversial immigration agreements, such as the sending of asylum seekers to Salvadoran penitentiary centers, some of which have been pointed out for human rights violations.
Although Bukele has not yet confirmed his candidacy for a third term, political analysts agree that the reform paves the way for him to maintain power, amid a context of high popularity but also growing international concern about the deterioration of democratic institutions in El Salvador.
Frequently Asked Questions about Constitutional Reform in El Salvador and U.S. Support.
What does the constitutional reform in El Salvador backed by the U.S. consist of?
The constitutional reform in El Salvador allows for indefinite presidential re-election and extends the presidential term from five to six years. It also eliminates the second round of voting. This reform has been promoted without debate by an official majority and has sparked criticism due to its potential impact on the country's democracy.
Why does the U.S. support constitutional reform in El Salvador?
The U.S. government, under the administration of Donald Trump, has expressed its support for constitutional reform in El Salvador, stating that the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly was democratically elected and has the sovereign right to reform its Constitution. This support has been interpreted in the context of the close bilateral relationship regarding security and migration between the two countries.
What are the criticisms of the constitutional reform in El Salvador?
The reform has been criticized by the opposition and international human rights organizations, who argue that it represents a democratic setback and a step towards authoritarianism. It is noted that it undermines essential institutional guarantees and facilitates the concentration of power in the hands of President Nayib Bukele.
How does re-election in El Salvador compare to other countries?
The president Nayib Bukele has defended the reform by arguing that, in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, or Denmark, there is also the possibility of indefinite re-election. However, critics argue that the comparisons are inappropriate due to differences in democratic contexts and political systems.
What is the impact of the reform on Bukele's popularity?
Despite international criticism, the constitutional reform has been carried out in a context of high popularity for Nayib Bukele. The president has used his popular support to justify the reforms and consolidate his power, raising concerns about the democratic future of El Salvador.
Filed under:
