'Won't be any more elections': Nicaragua President Ortega ends hope for democratic vote
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced that the country will no longer hold democratic elections, effectively cementing his long-term authoritarian rule. This declaration follows years of constitutional changes and the systematic suppression of political opposition and civil society.
Why it matters
The formal abandonment of elections marks a significant shift toward total authoritarianism in Latin America, raising concerns about regional stability and human rights.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has declared that the country will not hold elections in the future, effectively ending hopes of a democratic vote and reinforcing his grip on power after nearly two decades in office.Speaking during celebrations marking the anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution on Sunday, Ortega said, "There won't be any more elections," while accusing the United States of backing political parties opposed to his government. "Never, never, never," he added when referring to future elections.The announcement effectively cancels Nicaragua's next presidential election, which had been expected in November 2027 after the government-controlled Congress extended the presidential term by one year in 2025.Power consolidated since return to officeOrtega first came to power after the 1979 Sandinista Revolution and returned as president in 2007.
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