El Salvador’s legislature, dominated by President Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, approved constitutional changes on Thursday allowing indefinite presidential reelection and extending presidential terms from five to six years.

The reform also eliminates the second round of voting in presidential elections.

Bukele, already reelected despite a prior constitutional ban, has faced growing criticism over his consolidation of power since 2021, when his party removed top Supreme Court justices.

Critics warn the changes threaten democracy, while supporters claim they empower voters, the Associated Press has reported.

Bukele remains highly popular, largely due to his aggressive anti-gang policies, despite growing concerns over authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

Written by B.C. Begley