Nicaraguan Government Abolishes Elections
Following a controversial announcement by President Daniel Ortega, Nicaraguan lawmakers have decided to eliminate elections in the country. This move, articulated over the weekend, sparked significant outrage among the international community. Ortega’s declaration aligned with a broader plan by Congress, which is largely under the influence of both him and his wife, Rosario Murillo. The lawmakers argue that these changes are necessary for achieving “peace, security, and stability” in Nicaragua.
Ortega had previously indicated that no further elections would be held, effectively shutting down any chance for opposition parties to contest the ruling government. This comes after constitutional reforms elevated Murillo from vice president to “co-president,” cementing their control.
“There will no longer be elections here so that they can seize the government and try to seize power,” Ortega declared during a speech commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution, which played a role in toppling the dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza.
By claiming that opposition parties backed by the United States would never return to power, Ortega’s words suggest a significant tightening of his regime’s grip on Nicaragua’s political landscape. His administration significantly expanded presidential powers in reforms that took effect in 2025, extending his term and consolidating control over legislative, judicial, and electoral bodies. Now, they dominate nearly every aspect of government, including law enforcement and the judiciary.
Although Ortega remains in power until early 2028, this recent declaration effectively cancels upcoming elections set for November 2027. Critics assert that real electoral competition had already been compromised in previous elections held in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Some lawmakers, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their discontent with Ortega’s decision. Rubio stated, “Daniel Ortega’s declaration that Nicaragua would never hold another election under his family’s dictatorship exposed Nicaragua’s true authoritarian nature.” He emphasized that the Nicaraguan populace deserves the right to choose their leaders through genuine democratic processes and called on the global community to stand against the Ortega regime.
The situation further escalated as many opposition leaders faced imprisonment or exile, and multiple civil society groups lost their legal status. A United Nations group has accused Ortega’s government of systematically violating human rights, with some actions possibly constituting crimes against humanity. The violent crackdown on protests that began in 2018 resulted in over 300 fatalities, creating deep concerns regarding human rights in Nicaragua.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the latest developments, stating, “People from all political walks of life must be allowed to vote and run for office.” He highlighted how these actions are undermining fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Nicaragua.
