Nayib Bukele registers pre‑candidacy for 2027 third presidential term in El Salvador

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador filed his pre‑candidacy on 29 June 2026 to run in the February 2027 general elections, seeking a third consecutive term. The move follows a 2025 constitutional reform passed by the NI‑dominated Legislative Assembly that removed term limits, amended articles 75, 80, 133, 152 and 154, and extended presidential terms from five to six years, advancing the election date to 2027.

The Nuevas Ideas party announced the filing with the message “Estamos listos” and a photo of the sealed application forms for both Bukele and Vice President Félix Ulloa, who is also running for a third term. Ulloa thanked the party, saying “Gracias Nayib, gracias Xavi, gracias Nuevas Ideas…”. No internal opponents are expected in the party primaries, and Bukele has not commented publicly on the registration.

Bukele remains highly popular, largely due to his security crackdown against gangs, though recent polls show growing public concern over the economy. The constitutional changes were approved in a single session on 31 July 2025 without prior debate, clearing the legal path for his re‑election.