Nayib Bukele secures Nuevas Ideas nomination for 2027 presidential race

President Nayib Bukele has been formally nominated by his ruling party, Nuevas Ideas, as its presidential candidate for El Salvador's 2027 general elections. The party’s internal primaries held on 12 July 2026 resulted in Bukele’s unchallenged victory, and the party announced his candidacy on its website, displaying his photograph with the label “presidente.”

The nomination follows constitutional reforms approved in 2025 that removed term‑limit restrictions, extended the presidential term from five to six years and eliminated a second‑round runoff. These changes allow Bukele to seek a third consecutive term, with Vice President Félix Ulloa slated to remain on the ticket. Bukele must register the candidacy with the Tribunal Supremo Electoral between 1 October and 19 November 2026.

Polls continue to show Bukele enjoying high popular approval, largely credited to his security policies that have dramatically lowered gang‑related violence. However, domestic and international observers have raised concerns that the constitutional changes and concentration of power threaten democratic checks and balances. The party also highlighted its record number of affiliates, describing itself as the largest political organization in the country’s history.