SAN SALVADOR.- The recent reform of the Constitution in The Saviorapproved by the Congress led by allies of the president Nayib Bukelegenerated “concern” in International Amnestywhich expressed its “concern” about possible impacts that in its opinion are negative in respect for human rights.
On April 29, Congress approved a reform to article 248 of the Constitution, allowing changes to be made expeditiously in the Magna Carta. This measure, according to Amnesty International, could limit opportunities for citizen participation in public affairs and reduce the space for debate and reflection.
With the reform, the same legislature can now ratify the constitutional changes with the vote of three-quarters of the 60 deputies in the unicameral Congress, in which Bukele’s party has 54 seats.
Ernesto Castro, president of Congress and member of the ruling party, defended the reform by ensuring that the form or system of government established in Article 248 was not altered. In addition, he argued that the measure responds to the demand of the Salvadoran people to transform the country.
Amnesty International warned about the influence of the ruling “super majority” in Congress over the last three years, highlighting its role in the erosion of judicial independence and the weakening of control and accountability mechanisms.
Likewise, the organization questioned the lack of due process guarantees within the framework of an exceptional regime in force for 25 months to combat gangs, which allows arrests without a court order. This situation raises serious concerns about respect for fundamental rights in the Central American country.
Amnesty International urged the Salvadoran authorities to guarantee full respect for human rights and ensure citizen participation in the democratic process, reaffirming its commitment to the defense of fundamental rights in El Salvador and around the world.
Source: With information from AFP
