Yoweri Museveni’s seventh straight victory in Uganda’s presidential election has reignited debates on leadership tenure worldwide. Nations adopt diverse systems—pure presidential like the US, parliamentary like the UK, or blends—but one question persists: how often can one person lead? This deep dive explores term restrictions (or lack thereof) for presidents and prime ministers in prominent countries, revealing patterns in democratic design.

America’s Constitution caps presidents at two four-year terms via the 22nd Amendment, a safeguard post-FDR’s long reign. France limits presidents to two consecutive five-year stints since 2008 reforms, which also trimmed terms from seven years and barred non-consecutive repeats beyond two total.

Russia dramatically altered its landscape: terms ballooned to eight years, and 2020 amendments reset Vladimir Putin’s clock, zeroing out prior service. This paves the way for him through 2036. China scrapped all presidential term limits in 2018, solidifying Xi Jinping’s position without end.

Iran allows two successive four-year presidential terms, extensible in crises. Brazil matches with two consecutive four-year cycles. Shifting to prime ministers, India imposes none: leaders can serve repeatedly with Lok Sabha backing, terms tied to five-year elections.

Britain’s PMs face no numerical cap, relying on Commons support amid five-year parliamentary maximums. Canada’s PMs similarly lack limits, with elections roughly every four years despite a five-year Commons ceiling. Pakistan’s largely figurehead president has flexible rules, as does its premiership.

Germany’s chancellor wields PM-like power without term bounds—Merkel lasted 16 years. Israel ditched its old two-term PM rule, now unlimited. Uganda’s lack of limits enabled Museveni’s marathon rule.

From ironclad two-term precedents to open-ended tenures, these policies shape political dynasties, innovation, and accountability. As global elections loom, understanding these frameworks is key to grasping power’s ebb and flow.