Nicaragua's parliament has announced plans to abolish elections in the country, following through on President Daniel Ortega's declaration over the weekend that there would be no more elections. This move has sparked outrage from the international community.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Nicaragua's congress, which is firmly controlled by Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. Lawmakers stated that the planned constitutional overhaul aims to ensure Nicaragua's "peace, security and stability."

With this decision, lawmakers are solidifying Ortega's promise to end elections, effectively closing off any potential path for the opposition to challenge the government. Constitutional reforms recently elevated Murillo from vice president to "co-president," further consolidating their power.

Ortega declared during a speech commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution, in which he helped overthrow the U.S.-backed dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza, that "There won't be any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power."

Critics argue that Ortega had already effectively eliminated meaningful electoral competition in the 2011, 2016, and 2021 elections. More than 300 people were killed during unrest related to political tensions, according to international human rights groups.

The declaration and subsequent parliamentary action highlight the authoritarian nature of Ortega's regime, with Ortega and Murillo abandoning even the pretense of popular consent. Observers emphasize that people of all political viewpoints must be allowed to vote and run for office, a principle now disregarded in Nicaragua.

Sources