On Monday, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele was announced as the presidential candidate for the ruling Nuevas Ideas party for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 28, 2027. This announcement follows the results from the party's internal elections, which were made public by the organization itself.
The Nuevas Ideas website released a list of "winners, based on the total votes counted from highest to lowest," featuring a photograph of Bukele identified as the presidential candidate, according to reports from Efe news agency.
The party did not disclose the percentage of votes Bukele received or whether he faced any opposition during the internal election process. As of now, Bukele has not publicly commented on his nomination.
Constitutional Changes Propel Bukele's Candidacy
Bukele's nomination comes after a constitutional reform was passed in July 2025 by the Legislative Assembly, where the Nuevas Ideas party holds a commanding majority with 57 out of 60 lawmakers. This reform removed restrictions on presidential re-election.
The expedited reform also extended the presidential term from five to six years, abolished the electoral runoff, and advanced the general elections to 2027 through a transitional provision.
Opposition parties have criticized these changes, labeling them as a setback for Salvadoran democracy.
Controversy Surrounding Bukele's Re-election
Currently serving his second consecutive term, Bukele's 2024 re-election was contentious due to the Salvadoran Constitution's explicit prohibition against immediate re-election. However, a ruling by the Constitutional Chamber, whose judges were appointed by the current Legislative Assembly, allowed his candidacy.
If Bukele wins the 2027 elections, he would extend his tenure until 2033, marking 14 consecutive years in power since taking office in 2019.
Security Strategy and International Criticism
Bukele's political backing largely stems from his security policies. Since March 2022, El Salvador has been under a state of exception, leading to the arrest of over 91,500 individuals, which the government credits for the significant decrease in violence linked to gangs Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18.
Nevertheless, international bodies such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns over reports of arbitrary arrests, limitations on procedural guarantees, and deaths of detainees in state custody during this period.
High Approval Ratings Despite Criticism
Despite these criticisms, Bukele enjoys robust citizen support. Several surveys conducted in 2026 indicate his approval ratings range from 85.5% to 94%, with his voter intention between 70.9% and 81.7% as the 2027 elections approach.
The next step for Bukele's official candidacy involves formal registration with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, slated to occur between October 1 and November 19, 2026.
Bukele's Political Journey and Electoral Process
What are the recent constitutional changes in El Salvador?
In 2025, the Legislative Assembly, dominated by Nuevas Ideas, passed reforms allowing presidential re-election, extended the presidential term to six years, and eliminated the electoral runoff, advancing elections to 2027.
How has Bukele maintained high approval ratings?
Bukele's high approval ratings are largely attributed to his security strategy, which has reportedly reduced violence linked to gangs, despite facing international criticism for human rights concerns.
When will Bukele's candidacy be officially registered?
The formal registration of Bukele's candidacy is expected to take place between October 1 and November 19, 2026, with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.