Costa Rica reiterates 'deep concern' over closure of civic spaces in Nicaragua

Costa Rica has reiterated its "profound concern" over Nicaragua's systematic closure of civic spaces and the persecution of dissenting voices. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Costa Rica does not recognize Nicaragua's 2021 electoral process due to a lack of conditions and guarantees. The nation has consistently advocated for free, democratic, transparent, and pluralistic elections in Nicaragua.

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Costa Rica reiterates its profound concern over the systematic closure of civic spaces and the persecution against dissenting voices in Nicaragua.

Earlier this year, Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar voiced concerns at the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly regarding the "deterioration of the democratic situation and human rights in Nicaragua." He cited reports of arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, restrictions on fundamental freedoms, and harassment of religious leaders and communities of faith.

Bilateral relations between Costa Rica and Nicaragua have been limited to consulates since 2018. This occurred after then-President Carlos Alvarado decided not to appoint an ambassador to Nicaragua due to the repression and human rights violations against opposition figures and protesters.

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Costa Rica has always supported and will advocate for free, democratic, transparent, and pluralistic elections in the Republic of Nicaragua.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega explicitly dismissed any possibility of democratic alternation, stating that electoral processes that risk the ruling party's control will not be permitted. "Elections will not happen here again for them (the opposition) to try to seize the government, seize power," Ortega declared during an event commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution in Managua. Nicaragua has been governed by Ortega, an 80-year-old former Sandinista guerrilla, since 2007 amid allegations of electoral fraud and the elimination of opposition candidates. His wife, Rosario Murillo, designated as co-president from February 2025, has overseen constitutional reforms that expand presidential terms and consolidate state power under a single family structure.

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Here (in Nicaragua) there will not be elections again for them (the opposition) to try to seize the government, seize power.