Nicaragua's President Ortega says no more elections, extending his 20-year rule

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has declared that the country will not hold any further elections, a move that effectively cancels the next scheduled vote and extends his two-decade rule. The announcement, made recently, effectively eliminates any possibility of democratic alternation in power.

Ortega, who has governed Nicaragua since 2007, made the pronouncement during a commemorative event for the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution. "Elections will not be held here again so that they (the opposition) can try to seize the government, seize power," he stated, signaling a definitive end to electoral processes under his administration.

The country was slated to hold general elections in November 2027. However, constitutional amendments have extended the presidential term, pushing the theoretical next election date. Ortega, an 80-year-old former Sandinista guerrilla fighter, has consistently faced allegations of electoral fraud and has been accused of eliminating political opposition to prevent competition.

His wife, Rosario Murillo, who has served as vice president since 2017, was designated "co-president" in February 2025 through a constitutional reform. This reform also stipulated that the executive branch would "coordinate" other state "organs," which are no longer referred to as powers. The changes have further consolidated Ortega's grip on power, drawing criticism both domestically and internationally.

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Elections will not be held here again so that they (the opposition) can try to seize the government, seize power.