Nicaragua Congress to submit opposition exclusion reforms to presidential couple

Nicaragua's Congress is set to present proposed constitutional reforms to President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo for their final approval. This move signals a potential tightening of political control, as the reforms are understood to target the exclusion of opposition figures from government roles.

The announcement, made by Murillo, indicates that the legislative body will submit the package to the presidential couple for "review and authorization." While the specifics of the reforms were not detailed, the stated intention to exclude opponents suggests a further consolidation of power by the ruling Sandinista party.

Murillo, who is also the First Lady, has been a central figure in the current administration, often acting as the primary spokesperson for the government. Her announcement regarding the constitutional reforms underscores the executive branch's significant influence over legislative processes in Nicaragua.

The move comes amid a period of sustained political tension in Nicaragua, following a crackdown on dissent that began in 2018. International organizations have frequently criticized the government's human rights record and democratic backsliding.