Breaking News: Nicaragua’s parliament moves to eliminate elections following President Ortega’s declaration, solidifying his authoritarian rule.
Nicaragua’s lawmakers have announced plans to abolish elections, enacting President Daniel Ortega’s weekend declaration that future votes will not be held. The move, revealed on Tuesday, seeks to enshrine Ortega’s continued governance and formally eliminate any avenue for opposition challenge.
The Nicaraguan congress, controlled by Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, stated the constitutional overhaul will safeguard the nation’s “peace, security and stability”. The amendments elevate Murillo to the position of “co-president”, ensuring a consolidated grip on power. Ortega previously declared that elections allowing parties backed by the United States or supporters of the former Somoza regime were “over – never again”.
Constitutional changes enacted in 2025 have already extended the presidential term to six years and placed legislative, judicial and electoral institutions under presidential control. Ortega, Nicaragua’s longest-serving leader, has effectively cancelled the 2027 election. Critics point to previous elections in 2011, 2016 and 2021 as already lacking meaningful competition, with opposition leaders imprisoned, exiled or stripped of citizenship.
Reaction & Context
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Ortega’s action, stating: “Daniel Ortega’s declaration…lays bare their true authoritarian nature.” He added the Nicaraguan people “have the right to choose their own leaders through democratic elections”, and called for international alignment against the regime. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, denounced the move, stating people “must be allowed to vote and run for office”.
The decision follows a pattern of repression including a violent crackdown on protests in 2018, resulting in over 300 deaths according to human rights groups. The United Nations has accused the government of systematic human rights violations, potentially amounting to crimes against humanity.
What Happens Next
The legislative process for abolishing elections is underway. International pressure, including sanctions already imposed by the United States, is likely to intensify. The stability of the region remains uncertain as Ortega further consolidates his authoritarian rule.
Sources: The Daily Telegraph, Fox News, The Jerusalem Post, The Sun, Daily Mail.
