Key Points
- Nicaragua's National Assembly passes constitutional package barring opposition from elections and extending terms to 7 years.
- Ortega and Murillo could stay in power until 2036 if re-elected in 2028.
- Reform paves way for single-party (FSLN) system and awaits second approval in January 2027.
- US and EU condemn; Washington calls for OAS meeting.
By the Numbers
Nicaragua's National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that consolidates the power of Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo and bars the opposition from participating in elections. The amendment prohibits those declared "traitors to the homeland" and those accused of coup attempts from running for office. It also extends the current presidential term from six to seven years and grants the electoral authority the power to dissolve political parties.
Ortega, 80, and Murillo, 75, introduced this reform to protect their grip on power following the violent crackdown on the 2018 protests, in which more than 300 people died according to UN data. The current arrangement allows the couple to remain in power until 2036 if re-elected in 2028. The amendment requires a second legislative approval in January 2027.
The US and the EU condemned the reform, with Washington putting measures against Nicaragua on the agenda via the OAS. Experts say the real aim of the reform is to guarantee a dynastic succession after Ortega, given that the opposition has already been decimated. The regime, under pressure from the Trump era, wants to delay any potential bargaining over election conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the constitutional amendment change?
- It bars the opposition from running in elections, extends the presidential term from 6 to 7 years, and gives the electoral authority the power to dissolve political parties.
- How much longer can Ortega and Murillo stay in power?
- If they win the 2028 elections, they can remain in power until 2036, meaning a total of 8 more years.
- How did the international community react?
- The US denounced it as a dictatorship and called on allies to sever relations; the EU also condemned it, and an OAS meeting is being planned.
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