[1/2] El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele speaks during the inauguration of the 3 de Febrero hydroelectric power plant in San Luis de La Reina, El Salvador October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSAN SALVADOR, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced on Tuesday he will formally ask Congress to approve a leave of absence over the next few days to allow him to run for reelection as president of the Central American nation next year. In a televised speech, Bukele said he is formally requesting the leave of absence "to dedicate myself to the campaign," but he did not name his temporary replacement in his brief remarks. While critics question Bukele's ability to seek a second consecutive term, citing a constitutional prohibition, the country's top court ruled he could run in 2021. The judges on that court were appointed by Congress, which is dominated by Bukele's New Ideas party.

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Persons: Nayib Bukele, San Luis de La, Jose Cabezas, Bukele, Nelson Renteria, David Alire Garcia Organizations: El, San Luis de La Reina, REUTERS, SALVADOR, Central American, Congress, Bukele's, Thomson Locations: San Luis, El Salvador