Nicaragua Responds to Panama After Rejection of Ortega's Election Remarks

Nicaragua's government has formally responded to Panama's diplomatic protest, accusing the neighboring country's note of undermining national sovereignty and dignity. The Nicaraguan Foreign Ministry stated on Tuesday, July 21, that Panama's message violated the principles of non-interference and non-intervention.

Panama had previously expressed its strong rejection of statements attributed to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, suggesting that the country might cease holding elections. The Panamanian Foreign Ministry declared that eliminating the right to vote would be a severe blow to democratic principles and citizens' rights. Panama reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, constitutional order, fundamental freedoms, and political pluralism, emphasizing that democratic legitimacy hinges on free, regular, transparent, and competitive elections.

As a diplomatic measure, Panama recalled its ambassador to Nicaragua following the gravity of Ortega's remarks. Ortega, who has been in power for nearly two decades, reportedly dismissed the possibility of future elections to prevent the opposition, many of whom are in exile, from ever gaining power. Despite the diplomatic friction, Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry asserted that the historical ties between the two nations would ensure they remain "brothers."