Nicaraguan Congress approves constitutional reform excluding opposition

Nicaragua's National Assembly approved on Tuesday a constitutional reform backed by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo that bans opposition parties from participating in elections and extends the presidential term to seven years.

Details of the Constitutional Reform

A constitutional reform banning opposition parties from participating in elections and increasing the presidential term from six to seven years was adopted by the legislature. This initiative, backed by co-president Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, received approval in the first vote in the National Assembly. For the constitutional amendments to enter into force, they must be approved in two separate legislative sessions.

Second Voting Schedule

Rosario Murillo announced in a statement on Monday that the constitutional amendment will be finalized with a second vote starting on January 18. This regulation not only extends the presidential term but also increases the tenure of other elected officials, including the heads of the army and police, to seven years.

International Reactions and Criticisms

Daniel Ortega stated in July that no further elections would be held in the country to prevent the opposition from regaining power. While the United States called on the international community to isolate the Nicaraguan government, Panama withdrew its ambassador from Managua, and Central American countries along with Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile criticized the decision.

Past Reforms and Political Crisis

The ruling party approved a reform in 2024 that extended the presidential term from five to six years and elevated Murillo, who was vice president at the time, to the position of co-president. The country has been experiencing a deep political crisis since April 2018, when the government cracked down on protests, leading to the deaths of hundreds of people and the migration of thousands.