Bolivian Plurinational Legislative Assembly approved a constitutional amendment on Saturday allowing Morales and his Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera to run for the re-election in 2019.

The bill was approved by the Legislative Assembly in a marathon session that lasted about 20 hours, state news agency ABI reported.

Morales has served as president since 2006; as the Guardian notes, the duration and stability of his presidency has been a marked departure from the turbulence that marked Bolivia’s politics prior to his ascent.

The outcome of the referendum will determine whether Bolivia’s constitution, which only allows for two consecutive terms, will be amended.

Morales described the sense of approval he felt he was getting from his nation. “I also want to tell you, some have said, ‘Evo forever, ‘” he said.

Historically one of South America’s most unstable countries, Bolivia has enjoyed relative prosperity and calm under Morales, its first indigenous leader.

Morales would like to use his added time in office to complete the “Patriotic Agenda” he proposed to Congress in 2013.

They include the eradication of extreme poverty, ensuring health and education for all and ensuring Bolivia has an independent financial system and national control over food production and the exploitation of national resources.

If the constitutional amendment were to be ratified in a referendum many see taking place in February 2016, Morales said he would run for a fourth term in the 2019 elections.

Morales confirmed that he will respect people’s decision in next year’s referendum. Critics call the bill a move by the party to undermine democracy, but supporters say it will free the people to decide the issue.