In the United States, the president cannot serve more than two four-year terms under normal circumstances (there are exceptions). However, this is not the case everywhere in the world. Some nations only allow leaders to serve on the term, while others do not have a legally set limit. Whether or not a president should serve more than two terms is a debate with good arguments on both sides.
The Argument Against a President (or Similar Position) being allowed to Serve more than Two Terms
Many nations have enforced this approach to prevent continuous and tyrannical reign. However, if a leader with authoritarian tendencies rises to power and there are no legal tools to remove them from power, they may reign forever.
The question of a leader's efficacy is also raised. A fatigued leader from continuous terms is likely to be less effective. There is also a point where leadership must change to bring about innovation. New perspectives and approaches can potentially improve a nation's well-being.
The Argument for Allowing a President (or a Similar Position) to Serve more than Two Terms
One argument to prevent national leaders from serving more than two positions that could be viewed as positive to ensure national security is that a leader who has done good things for their nation is more likely to continue doing so. The prevailing thought is, why change something that is working well.
Another argument to prevent presidents or others in similar positions from staying in that position for more than two terms is that they defy the concept of democracy. The people should be able to elect who they deem fit to rule them, irrespective of the number of terms they have served.
Conclusion
There are and likely always will be two contradicting answers. Yes, if tools and legislature are in place to remove the president or one in a similar position when their reign seems detrimental to their nation and not if they are given complete control, without governance and a body to call on them to account for their actions.
FAQs
Do Presidential or leadership term limits apply to all countries?
No, term limits are written into each nation's constitution. So, for example, the Prime Minister of India can serve indefinitely as long as the President of India has confidence in their leadership.
Who proposed a two-term limit in the United States?
George Washington is given credit as a major supporter of this approach, shown through his example of stepping down after two terms.
Can a leader rule forever in some nations?
While most nations have limits set for terms a leader can be in power, many do not. As a result, some suffer under oppression while others thrive.
Who is the longest-serving, current leader of a nation?
The longest-serving and still currently serving nation leader is Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, the President of Equatorial Guinea. He has been in power for more than 40 years.
