Bukele consolidates power in El Salvador with indefinite re-election

Over 100 people exiled due to persecution in El Salvador

Human rights at risk under Bukele’s regime

President Nayib Bukele approved a fast-track reform to enable his indefinite re-election.

The measure, coupled with the persecution of critics, has sparked warnings of an authoritarian drift.

This was reported by Infobae.

Bukele consolidates power in El Salvador with indefinite re-election

How Bukele went from being the “cool millennial president” to a “dictator” accused of an escalating crackdown in El Salvador.

By: @soymarcosgd https://t.co/tpFSNxNLdK

— Univision Noticias (@UniNoticias) August 3, 2025

When Nayib Bukele became president in 2019, he was seen as a fresh, disruptive figure: young, savvy on social media, and free from the traditional political parties.

However, in six years in office, he has steadily concentrated power and repressed dissent.

The most recent step in this transformation came Thursday, when his party—with an absolute majority in the Legislative Assembly—approved a constitutional reform that allows indefinite presidential re-election.

Although the Constitution prohibited it, Bukele secured a second term through a controversial judicial reinterpretation, and now he has a clear path to remain in power indefinitely.

Despite international criticism, the president defended the move: “This does not represent the end of democracy,” he said, arguing that the criticism stems from the fact that El Salvador is “a small and poor country.”

Prison or Exile: The Cost of Dissent

How Bukele went from being the “cool millennial president” to a “dictator” accused of an escalating crackdown in El Salvador.
By: @soymarcosgd https://t.co/23GMcHTl8I

— Al Punto (@AlPunto) August 3, 2025

Nayib Bukele’s consolidation of power has been accompanied by a harsh crackdown.

Activists, journalists, and critical lawyers have either been imprisoned or forced into exile. Cases like those of Ruth López and Enrique Anaya, both well-known lawyers, have raised alarms among international human rights organizations.

Over 100 journalists and advocates have left the country since May, reporting threats, police visits, or imminent arrest warrants.

NGOs such as Cristosal and media outlets like El Faro have closed their local offices after facing pressure. “We are living in an atmosphere of terror,” said Noah Bullock, director of Cristosal.

Even the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has urged the Salvadoran government to stop using criminal law as a tool for intimidation.

Popularity Intact—But at What Cost?

Despite the accusations, Nayib Bukele retains a popularity rating above 80%.

The reduction in violence under a state of emergency—now in effect for more than three years—remains his key achievement in the public eye.

However, analysts point out that this support is built on a binary narrative: security in exchange for rights.

“The message is clear: whoever does not align will be crushed,” said journalist Sergio Arauz.
According to experts, Salvadorans now live amid fear, propaganda, and disinformation.

Meanwhile, democracy seems increasingly out of reach.

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