The amendment, backed by 57 of the 60 lawmakers in the Legislative Assembly dominated by Bukele’s ruling party, transfers full authority for appointing the five magistrates of the Supreme Electoral Court to Congress.

Under the previous system, three magistrates were nominated by the political parties that received the most votes in the last election, while the remaining two were chosen by the Supreme Court of Justice.The new rules remove that structure, giving the Legislative Assembly sole power over the appointments.

Legislative Assembly President Ernesto Castro defended the reform, saying it would eliminate partisan influence over the electoral authority.“No more party quotas.

No more personal agendas or interests in the highest electoral authority,” Castro wrote on X.Opposition groups and civil society organizations criticized the measure, arguing it would allow Bukele’s government to consolidate control over the body responsible for overseeing elections.

Non-governmental organization Accion Ciudadana said the changes were “designed so that the ruling party can fully control the electoral body.”Bukele, 44, has governed El Salvador since 2019 and won re-election in 2024 with 85% of the vote.

His administration has maintained exceptionally high approval ratings, largely driven by an aggressive anti-gang security strategy, but has also faced growing criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders over institutional weakening and concentration of power.Since taking office, Bukele’s government has overseen multiple constitutional reforms, including last year’s abolition of presidential term limits, clearing the path for him to run again in elections scheduled for February 2027.

Critics have described the country’s political direction as increasingly authoritarian, while Bukele has defended the changes as necessary to modernize governance and deliver security and stability.The five current magistrates of the Supreme Electoral Court were appointed in 2024 for five-year terms and are expected to oversee the upcoming general elections.

The latest reform adds to broader debate over democratic checks and balances in El Salvador as Bukele continues to tighten control over the judiciary, legislature and electoral institutions.