Breaking News: Nicaragua’s President Ortega has vowed to permanently end elections, effectively extinguishing opposition to his rule.
Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua’s long-serving President, has declared that the country will “never again” hold elections, eliminating any future avenue for political challenge. Ortega, in power since 2007 and previously during the 1980s, made the announcement during a speech commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution. His current term is scheduled to run until 2027, but this declaration signals an intention to remain in power indefinitely.
Ortega stated that “there won’t be any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power”, accusing opposition groups of being backed by the United States and supporters of the former Somoza dictatorship. He asserted, “The days when parties backed by the Yankees…and the Somocistas would return to power are over – never again.” The Trump administration had already labelled his government a dictatorship and imposed sanctions, a stance continued by the Biden administration following the disputed 2021 election.
The move effectively removes the possibility of an electoral challenge as Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, further consolidate control over Nicaragua’s institutions. The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Nicaraguan officials, and the State Department enacted visa restrictions on over 2,350 individuals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in June, “The United States stands with the Nicaraguan people who…aspire to see a free Nicaragua.” Ortega and Murillo have extended their authority through constitutional changes, placing legislative, judicial and electoral branches under presidential control.
The United Nations has accused the government of systematic human rights violations, potentially amounting to crimes against humanity, following a violent crackdown on protests in 2018 which saw over 300 deaths. Opposition leaders have been imprisoned, exiled or stripped of citizenship, and independent organisations have been shut down.
The U.S. State Department has been contacted for comment. The situation raises concerns about the future of democracy and human rights in Nicaragua.
Sources: Fox News, The Daily Telegraph.
