The National Assembly of Salvador (Parliament) approved a package of constitutional amendments, which provides for an increase in the presidential term from 5 to 6 years, as well as opening the way to an unlimited number of re -elections of the head of state. having a stable majority in parliament. 57 deputies voted for amendments, three opposed.
The initiator of the changes was the deputy from the Ana Figeroya party. Amendments involve changes to five articles of the Constitution. Among other things, they provide for the abolition of the second round of the presidential election, which greatly simplifies the procedure for the election of the head of state.
– Democracy
the possibility of an unlimited re-election of the president caused an acute reaction from the opposition in El Salvador. “Democracy died in Salvador,” said the representative of the Opposition Party “National Republican Alliance” (Arena), deputy Marseille Willatoro, speaking during a meeting of the National Assembly.
, according to her, such a practice leads to an excessive concentration of power, an increase in corruption and consumption, and also undermines the foundations of democratic law and order. “An unlimited re -election is the path to concentrating power in one hand. This leads to abuse, weakens the political participation of citizens and destroys democracy,” Villaatoro said.
The vice -speaker of the parliament Syushi Kalushasa spoke in defense of the reform. According to her, the amendments reflect the will of the people and return it to the right of a decisive vote in issues of power. “The power was returned to its true owner – the people of Salvador,” Kalushas emphasized.
MP Ana Figeroa said that constitutional changes are aimed at ensuring equal rights for all elected posts. “The right to re -election has already been granted to the mayors and deputies elected people. The only position that did not have this right remained presidential. The changes eliminate this inequality and return the same democratic legitimacy to the presidential institution,” she said.