Chargé d’Affairs to the United States in El Salvador, Jean Manis, said, on Saturday, that the government of his country Condemns the decision of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of El Salvador allowing the re-election of the President He argued that this “regression” of democracy in the Central American country was detrimental to the relationship between the two countries.

“The United States Government Condemns the Sept. 3 Decision of the Salvadoran Constitutional Circuit of the Supreme Court.”Mans said at a press conference summoned by the local press.

Friday night, The constitutional justices, appointed May 1, overturned a 2014 decision and allowed for immediate presidential re-election, During which the president could seek a second term in 2024.

“This decision allows for an immediate presidential re-election,” he added It obviously goes against the Salvadoran constitution, which states that immediate re-election is not permitted,” stressed the head of the US diplomatic mission.

Mance warned about it This decline in democracy harms the bilateral relationship between the United States and El Salvador, The relationship we have had for decades and we want to preserve it.”

add that “The decision is the direct consequence of the May 1 decision by the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly to unconstitutionally dismiss the acting judges in the constitutional circuit. and appointing loyal alternatives to the executive body.

“This proves A clear strategy to undermine the independence of the judiciary and to remove a major counterweight to the executive power.” added.

manis He also criticized the recent Congressional decision to dismiss judges and prosecutors in their sixties. Under the pretext of combating corrupt practices.

On May 1, the Legislative Council, with a large majority in favor of the government, He dismissed the constitutional judges and appointed 5 lawyers to fill the posts, Who made this ruling?

Among the judges appointed Former Adviser to the Bukele Executive, Advocate for the Current Director of Police and Former Commissioner of the Institute for Public Information Access, Selected by Bukele in the process of questioning.

In the decision criticized by various sectors, The judges order the Supreme Electoral Court to allow “a person who exercises the presidency of the Republic and who was not a president in the immediate preceding period.” Participation in the electoral contest for the second time.

Judicial decision opens the way for President Bukele to be re-elected in 2024, Because with the interpretation given in 2014 to Text 1 of Article 152 of the Constitution, he had to wait until 2034.

In the judges’ judgment, The 2014 interpretation is “wrong” and they pointed out that the constitution allows a citizen to be president for a maximum term of 10 years.

President who He won the 2019 presidential election with a wide advantage and maintains high citizen acceptanceHe did not comment on the possibility of running again for re-election.

(With information from EFE)

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