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).
Zack Norman dead at 83: Romancing The Stone star who played crocodile
Analysis: IndyCar cheating scandal risks sullying Roger Penske's perfect image
Tigers and Cardinals rained out, will play a traditional doubleheader on Tuesday
Program to boost cultural exchanges between China and France
The AstraZeneca vaccine 'victims': From families losing loved ones to those left with life
Sue Bird says joining ownership group of the Seattle Storm felt inevitable
NY DA 'so sorry' for cursing at officer who tried to ticket her
Chinese business group 'shocked, dissatisfied' over EU raids on Chinese company
Duo charged with murder in killings of couple whose remains were found scattered on Long Island
Autistic schoolgirl, 16, took her own life at £44,000
Uzbekistan and Japan qualify for men's Olympic soccer by reaching U23 Asian Cup final