Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega declared on Sunday, July 20, 2026, that the country will hold no more elections, effectively closing off any path for opposition to challenge his government. Ortega, who has been in power since 2007 and previously governed during the 1980s, made the announcement during a speech commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution, in which he helped overthrow the US-backed dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza.

"There won't be any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power," Ortega said, emphasizing that the era when parties supported by the United States and the Somocistas could return to power is over.

Ortega leads the government alongside his wife, Rosario Murillo. His current presidential term is scheduled to run through 2027. The Biden administration has previously criticized Ortega, stating he illegitimately awarded himself another term following Nicaragua's disputed 2021 presidential election.

Salvador Marenco, coordinator of the Costa Rica-based Nicaragua Nunca Más Human Rights Collective, told Reuters that Ortega had already effectively eliminated meaningful electoral competition during the 2011, 2016, and 2021 elections. International human rights groups report that more than 300 people were killed during related unrest.

The United States expressed support for the Nicaraguan people aspiring for a free Nicaragua.

Sources