El Salvador legislature approves free ID renewal and diaspora representation reform

The Salvadoran Legislative Assembly approved two major measures in a session held on Thursday. First, it authorized a free renewal of the Documento Único de Identidad (DUI) for 404,085 citizens whose cards expire between 29 November 2026 and 28 February 2027, covering roughly 25 % of the population. The renewal can be completed at any of the 23 duicenter offices nationwide or through an electronic platform, without requiring additional documents.

Second, the Assembly passed an electoral reform that creates a new overseas constituency allocating six seats in the 60‑member Legislative Assembly to Salvadorans living abroad, primarily in the United States. The reform reduces five seats from the San Salvador department and one from La Libertad, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties that the changes weaken domestic representation. The same vote also altered the composition process for the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, removing parties’ ability to propose candidates for three of its five magistrates.

Both measures were adopted with the governing Nuevas Ideas party and its allies voting in favor, while opposition legislators decried the lack of technical justification and accused the ruling bloc of reshaping the electoral system to its advantage.