Nicaragua begins reforms to block opposition elections amid international criticism

Nicaragua's National Assembly has initiated a plan to reform the Constitution and other laws, aiming to prevent the opposition from participating in future elections. This move follows President Daniel Ortega's directive to block what he termed "coup plotters" and "traitors" from ever regaining power, even with foreign funding. Ortega stated that Nicaragua will not hold elections that could allow the opposition to seize control.

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will not allow electoral processes that put the control of the ruling party at risk.

Opposition leader Juan Sebastián Chamorro criticized Ortega's intentions, suggesting he seeks to establish a one-party state similar to China, North Korea, or Cuba. Chamorro believes the Sandinistas will only hold internal elections to select their own leaders, mirroring a centralized system.

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laws to put up a wall, a block, to the coup plotters, to the traitors, and that no matter how much money the yanquis (U.S.) give them, they will not be able to compete in elections.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Ortega's actions, calling them a display of "authoritarian nature." Rubio asserted that Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, have abandoned any pretense of popular consent and that Nicaraguans deserve democratic elections. The U.S. urged the international community to unite against the dictatorship.

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Nicaragua will never again hold elections so that they (the opposition) can try to capture the government, capture power through them.

Panama has recalled its ambassador from Nicaragua in protest against Ortega's statements. The Panamanian government views the suppression of the fundamental right to vote as a severe affront to democratic principles.

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Ortega has always wanted to turn Nicaragua into a one-party country like China, North Korea, and Cuba, because in the president's opinion, political organizations 'divide societies'.