On November 30th, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador requested and was granted a half-year leave. Vice-President Félix Ulloa also obtained approval for a six-month absence, both aiming to engage in campaign activities for another term, despite the explicit prohibition of consecutive terms for Presidents in El Salvador’s constitution.
Claudia Juana Rodríguez de Guevara, Bukele’s private secretary and a close associate, will serve as the interim President of the country during Bukele’s absence. She will remain in the position until the end of Bukele’s current term on May 30th, 2024.
“I am expressing my intention to stand as a candidate for the President of the Republic to the people of El Salvador,” announced Bukele in a speech last year on Independence Day (September 15). “Developed nations have re-election,” he remarked. “And now, thanks to the new composition of our country’s democratic institution, El Salvador will also have it.”
Comprising of judges nominated by Bukele’s political party, have decreed thatA President has the potential to serve a consecutive term. Nonetheless, the alteration is not reflected in the Constitution, which expressly prohibits modifying it for consecutive Presidential terms. Legal scholars in the nation have indicated that Bukele’s bid for re-election contravenes at least six articles of the Constitution.
Furthermore, in addition to the hiatus request, Bukele also pursued the continuation of his security detail, the utilization of the presidential battalion, transportation personnel, use of official residences, and all benefits contributing to his legal security.
Nayib Bukele’s term as president will come to an end next year. The nation’s elections are set for February 4th, 2024.
Image Source: Nayib Bukele @ Instagram