Nicaraguan Congress Passes Ortega-Backed Reform Excluding Opposition From Elections
The measure also extends terms for top officials to 7 years and postpones presidential elections until late 2027, drawing criticism from the United States and regional governments.
- On Tuesday, Nicaragua's National Assembly passed a constitutional reform banning opposition parties and extending presidential terms from six to seven years, while postponing elections until late 2027.
- Co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo backed the reform, which also extends terms for military and police heads. Approaching his 81st birthday, Ortega is the longest-serving leader in the Americas.
- Ortega stated on July 19 that "there won't be any more elections" to prevent the opposition from "seizing the government." This stance follows Nicaragua's deep political crisis since 2018, when government repression left more than 300 dead.
- Several Central American countries, along with Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile, criticized the reform as a democratic setback. The United States urged international isolation, while Panama withdrew its ambassador from Managua.
- Murillo announced the amendment will face a second required vote starting January 18. Nicaraguan law mandates constitutional changes undergo two separate legislative sessions before officially taking effect.
51 Articles
51 Articles
The Nicaraguan National Congress voted to pass constitutional amendments, disqualifying opposition candidates from running in elections and extending the presidential term from six years to seven years.
After the international rejection of the final elimination of the elections, Parliament approves a constitutional reform that excludes the opposition and tries to circumvent the pressure of the United States
Nicaragua is moving forward with a constitutional revision with significant changes to the length of the presidential term and the conditions for participating in elections. The Nicaraguan parliament unanimously approved on Tuesday a revision of the country's Constitution that President Daniel Ortega wanted. prevents opposition members from participating in electoral processes, President Gustavo Porras announced. prevents opposition members from…
The National Assembly of Nicaragua unanimously approved on Tuesday a constitutional reform preventing opponents from taking part in the elections, blocking a little more the power of President Daniel Ortega.
The constitutional reform in Nicaragua excludes those who have been considered 'traitors to the homeland' from participating in public office, such as writer Gioconda Belli.
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