Ortega dice que Nicaragua no celebrará más elecciones

President Daniel Ortega has declared that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections, effectively ending any possibility of democratic alternation in the country. Speaking during a mass rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution in Managua, Ortega stated that his regime would not allow electoral processes that could threaten the officialdom's control. The remarks underscore a continued consolidation of power under the leadership of Ortega, who has governed since 2007, and his wife, Rosario Murillo, since 2017. Ortega accused opposition groups both inside and outside the country of attempting to seize power through elections, claiming they seek to enrich themselves rather than serve the nation. He warned that such efforts would be futile, stating, “Here there will be no more elections for them to try to capture the government, to capture power.” His comments were delivered in a tone of defiance against perceived threats to his authority, with a clear message that the ruling party will maintain its grip on political life indefinitely. The ruling Sandinista regime has long been marked by allegations of electoral fraud and suppression of dissent. Since 2007, Ortega has maintained power through a combination of state control, media manipulation, and the elimination of political rivals. In February 2025, a constitutional amendment was enacted that significantly altered the structure of governance, extending the presidential term from five to six years and introducing the role of “copresidenta,” which Murillo assumed. This reform, which eliminated checks and balances within the state, has drawn widespread condemnation from international bodies including the United Nations, the Organization of American States, and the European Parliament. Under this new constitution, Nicaragua was set to hold general elections in November 2026. However, due to the extended presidential term, these elections have been postponed until November 2027. Despite this, Ortega and Murillo have made it clear that the process will not be open or fair. The U.S. Department of State recently criticized Murillo for creating the position of “copresidenta” without legitimate election or mandate, accusing her of knowing she could not win in a free vote. The department called the current system one based on repression and constitutional manipulation, not the will of the Nicaraguan people. The reforms have also included provisions that allow for the legalization of apatridia, a move that has further complicated the political landscape. These changes have been widely viewed as an attempt to entrench the ruling couple’s power indefinitely, removing any meaningful opportunity for political competition. Opposition figures, both within and outside Nicaragua, have expressed concern over the erosion of democratic norms and the increasing authoritarianism of the regime. International observers continue to monitor the situation closely, with many expressing alarm over the lack of transparency and the absence of genuine political pluralism. While some regional actors remain engaged in diplomatic dialogue, others have taken a firmer stance, urging respect for fundamental rights and the rule of law. The future of Nicaragua’s political system appears increasingly uncertain, with the ruling party showing no signs of relinquishing its dominance. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing consolidation of power and the exclusion of alternative voices from the political arena.