Nicaragua's President Ortega says no more elections, extending his 20-year rule
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced that the country will no longer hold elections, effectively ending democratic processes. This move solidifies his 20-year rule and follows a series of constitutional changes and crackdowns on political opposition.
Why it matters
The consolidation of power by an authoritarian regime in Latin America poses significant risks to regional stability and human rights.
MEXICO CITY — Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega said his country won't be holding elections anytime soon, a statement underscoring the strongman's efforts to extend his nearly 20-year rule and dashing hopes by the opposition that he might heed their demands for a democratic vote.
The announcement effectively canceled Nicaragua's next elections, originally scheduled for November 2027 after the government-controlled Congress voted in January 2025 to extend the five-year presidential term by one year.
Immigration DHS ends temporary protected status for thousands from Nicaragua and Honduras Ortega spoke on Sunday at the anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution that toppled the Somoza dictatorship in 1979 and first brought him to power. He returned to the presidency in 2007 and has since rewritten the constitution, crushed political opposition and solidified his control over virtually all branches of the Nicaraguan government.
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