Lawmakers argue the constitutional change will ensure ‘peace, security and stability.’
By Catholics for Catholics
The lawmakers of Nicaragua, a country which has been led by strongman President Daniel Ortega and his wife, announced plans that it would abolish all elections in that country.
The move which has incensed the international community was revealed on Tuesday by Nicaragua’s congress, which is decisively under the control of Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. Lawmakers said the planned constitutional overhaul will ensure Nicaragua’s “peace, security and stability,” according to a story by Fox News.
Nicaraguan lawmakers are ceding to Ortega’s promise of no more elections, further closing off any possible way for the opposition to challenge the government he leads with Murillo, whose constitutional reforms elevated from vice president to “co-president.”
“There won’t be any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power,” Ortega said on Sunday during a speech commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution, in which Ortega participated in the overthrow of the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza.
Nicaraguan opposition activists said President Daniel Ortega's decision not to hold elections confirms what they describe as his intention to remain in power indefinitely.
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 22, 2026
"This is not an expression of security," said Felix Maradiaga, a former presidential candidate in exile.… pic.twitter.com/TJjVix6y0H
“The days when parties backed by the Yankees (United States) and the Somocistas would return to power are over — never again,” he declared.
Ortega’s declaration seemed to do away with the possibility of a future electoral challenge as he and Murillo continued consolidating control over the country’s political institutions.
Ortega and Murillo expanded their authority through sweeping constitutional changes that took effect in 2025. The reforms included extending the presidential term from five years to six and placing the legislative, judicial and electoral institutions under the authority of the presidency.
The pair now exercise control over nearly every branch of government, including the armed forces, police and judiciary.
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