Nicaragua Approves Constitutional Reform Banning Opposition from Elections

The National Assembly of Nicaragua approved a constitutional reform on Tuesday that prohibits opposition parties from participating in elections and extends the presidential term from six to seven years. The measure was passed in a first vote and is expected to be ratified in a second session early next year. The reform also extends the mandates of other elected officials and commanders of the police and armed forces. President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo support the initiative. Ortega, who has been in power since 2006, previously suggested the possibility of ending elections in the country to prevent the opposition from taking power.

International reactions have been critical. UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern over the erosion of civic and political space and emphasized the importance of protecting the right to vote. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on international partners to stop business as usual operations with the Nicaraguan government and stated that the US would not stand by as the dictatorship deepens repression. The European Union condemned the systemic repression and urged the government to hold free elections. Additionally, the Organization of American States has approved an emergency meeting to discuss potential sanctions.

Nicaragua has faced a deep political crisis since April 2018. Government suppression of anti-government protests resulted in more than 300 deaths and the exile of thousands of citizens, including journalists and opposition leaders. While the government described these protests as an attempted coup financed by the US, exiled leaders argue the new reforms are designed to ensure the succession of power within the Ortega-Murillo family.