Nicaragua's Ortega Declares End to Elections, Citing Opposition Plot

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declared on July 19th that the country will cease holding elections, a move that effectively dismantles any pretense of democracy in the Central American nation. Ortega, who has been in power for nearly two decades, accused the opposition of plotting to use elections as a means to "seize the government and seize power."

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will no longer hold elections

Ortega, a former revolutionary who first became president in 1985, has a complex political history. He initially led the Sandinista National Liberation Front's revolution against dictator Anastasio Somoza and subsequently severed ties with Taiwan to establish relations with China. After a period out of office following his 1990 defeat, Ortega returned to power in 2007. Since then, his administration has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and the United Nations for alleged election manipulation, dismantling of institutions, suppression of protesters, and imprisonment of critics, journalists, religious figures, and political opponents.

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attempting to seize the government and seize power

The announcement came during a rally commemorating the 47th anniversary of the revolution against Somoza, where thousands of public employees were reportedly compelled to attend. Ortega stated his intention to collaborate with Congress and relevant institutions to enact legislation that would create a "wall against coup plotters and traitors." This declaration starkly contrasts with his earlier role in overthrowing a dictator, highlighting a dramatic shift in his political stance. Nicaragua's presidential term was extended from five to six years under Ortega's rule, with the next election previously scheduled for November 2027.

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we need to rely on legislation to build a wall against coup plotters and traitors

This decision marks a definitive end to any possibility of a peaceful transfer of power in Nicaragua. The move follows international scrutiny of Ortega's regime, including a recent event where U.S. forces apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Ortega commented on the U.S. military action, criticizing the forceful entry into Maduro's presidential residence and condemning the subsequent detention of the Venezuelan leader.

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invading someone's presidential palace with force... arresting Maduro and his wife in the United States, this is simply horrifying.