Ortega insists no more elections for Nicaragua
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has declared that the country will no longer hold elections, aiming to prevent opposition parties from challenging his rule. Ortega, who has been in power since 2007, framed the decision as a necessary measure against foreign-backed interference.
Why it matters
This marks a significant shift toward authoritarianism in Central America, effectively ending democratic processes in Nicaragua.
The Central American state’s longtime leader intends to block the opposition from challenging his rule.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info President Daniel Ortega commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Revolution, July 19, 2026 [Cesar Perez/El 19 Digital/AFP] By Reuters Published On 20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026 President Daniel Ortega has told supporters that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections.
In power since 2007 following elections questioned by the international community, the 80-year-old Marxist framed the move as a way to block the opposition, which he asserted is controlled by the United States.
“There won’t be any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power,” he said during a speech on Sunday at an event commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution.
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