SAN SALVADOR (AP) — El Salvador’s Congress, which is controlled by President Nayib Bukele New Ideas party, on Monday approved a change to an article of the Constitution to facilitate larger constitutional reforms without having to wait until after the election of a new legislature.
The move further consolidates power in the hands of Bukele and his party, with some critics saying it opens a possible path for the leader to stay in power.
Previously, constitutional reforms had to be proposed and approved in one legislature, then ratified in the subsequent Congress following elections. Now, reforms can be swept through with just the vote of three quarters of legislators.
“This is a shot to the democracy of our country. The only thing they are demonstrating is the petty interests and ambition to maintain and not let go of power,” said Rosa Romero, of the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA).
Jon Wysocki dead at 53: Staind drummer passes away
Beijing to host WTT China Smash in September
Beijing to host WTT China Smash in September
The government wants to buy their flood
Descendants of Doolittle Raiders visit Quzhou, celebrate China
Dallas' Noltemy is named Los Angeles Philharmonic president
World's largest plant discovered off Australian coast
Burglar hurled stolen mobile phones at police from the top of 60ft high roof during nine
Yao: Team's Olympic pain must drive change
Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
Largest 'power bank' in eastern Zhejiang a step closer to operation