• El Salvador's Congress approved constitutional changes enabling indefinite presidential re-election for Nayib Bukele.
• The amendments extend presidential terms from five to six years and eliminate the second round of voting.
• Opposition lawmakers criticize the reforms, claiming they undermine democracy and lead to power accumulation.
• Bukele, often criticized as a "dictator," remains popular for his tough stance on crime and gang violence.
• International rights groups condemn the government's increasing authoritarian tendencies.

El Salvador's Legislative Assembly approved significant constitutional changes on August 1, allowing President Nayib Bukele to seek indefinite re-election. The vote, which passed with a 57-3 majority, extends the presidential term from five to six years and removes the requirement for a second round of voting in elections, according to SCMP, Le Monde, and India Times.

The proposed amendments were introduced by lawmaker Ana Figueroa from Bukele's New Ideas party and aimed to align presidential elections with congressional races, thereby increasing the prospect for Bukele's extended rule. In her words, "You have the power to decide how long you support your president and all elected officials," according to The Hill and Los Angeles Times.

Critics, including opposition lawmakers, have vehemently opposed these changes, asserting that they signify the death of democracy in El Salvador. Marcela Villatoro, a lawmaker from the Nationalist Republican Alliance, stated, "Democracy in El Salvador has died!" expressing concerns about the concentration of power and potential corruption that could arise from such indefinite authority, as reported by Le Monde, India Times, and The Hill.

Under Bukele's administration, the country has experienced declining crime rates due to a heavy-handed approach against gangs, which has drawn mixed international reactions. His relationship with U.S. Presidents, particularly Donald Trump, has also positioned him favorably within certain political circles, despite growing concerns over his administration's human rights record, according to Los Angeles Times and SCMP.