Nicaragua proposes extending presidential terms to seven years, strengthening Ortega's grip

Nicaragua's National Assembly has put forth a constitutional reform initiative that would extend presidential terms from six to seven years, with the possibility of renewal. Parliament Speaker Gustavo Porras presented the proposal, stating it aims to guarantee "stability in vision, operation, and continuity" to effectively address the nation's needs.

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Our system of State and Government of 'People President' proposes to be ordered with effective periods of seven years renewable.

President Daniel Ortega, who has held power for 30 years through various roles since 1979, would be the primary beneficiary of such a change. His return to power in 2007 was facilitated by a constitutional reform that lowered the vote threshold for presidential victories. The current proposal is part of a broader effort to reshape the country's political landscape.

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The government of Nicaragua needs for this democratic and free future, solidarity, Christian complementarity, creativity, prosperity, and profoundly human must be ordered according to the urgency and deadlines that the National Plan for Human Development and poverty eradication contemplates.

The reform comes shortly after Ortega suggested eliminating elections and removing the constitutional article that prevents re-election. Vice President Rosario Murillo indicated that the reform, which also seeks to disqualify opposition figures deemed "traitors to the homeland" from elections, is slated for a first legislative approval in September. These developments have already drawn international condemnation.

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We are in favor of democracy: Sheinbaum on the end of elections in Nicaragua; she defends the self-determination of peoples.