Guatemala expresses concern over Ortega-backed move to restrict electoral competition in Nicaragua

Guatemala has voiced “deep concern” over Nicaragua’s constitutional reform, saying the measure threatens political pluralism, citizen participation and the right to elect and be elected.

The Guatemalan Foreign Ministry said the reform, approved in first reading by Nicaragua’s National Assembly, restricts the political participation of opponents and extends the terms of elected officials, including the presidency, to seven years. Guatemala cited the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in defending those principles.

The reform was approved unanimously by a show of hands during a special session of the Assembly, which is dominated by the governing party. It bars people classified as “traitors to the homeland” from standing for elected office or holding public positions. The category has been used by Nicaragua’s government against opponents and critics.

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deep concern

The restrictions also cover people accused of involvement in planning or carrying out coup attempts, promoting foreign interference, seeking military intervention, receiving foreign financing, or supporting blockades and sanctions against the Nicaraguan state. Those affected would also be barred from serving on the governing bodies of political parties or organizations.

The seven-year terms would apply to Nicaragua’s co-presidents, lawmakers, mayors and other officials covered by the Constitution. The change could extend the current terms of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, who have held the co-presidency since the 2025 constitutional reform. General elections had been scheduled for November 2026, but would move to November 2027 under the proposed change. Guatemala said defending these principles and peoples’ right to freely decide their future is fundamental to regional stability and peaceful coexistence.

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traitors to the homeland