Nicaragua's Supreme Court President Resigns, Ninth Magistrate to Step Down in Two Years

Alba Luz Ramos, the President of Nicaragua's Supreme Court of Justice, has resigned from her position, citing health reasons. Her departure makes her the ninth magistrate to leave the court within the past two years, according to reports from the Official Gazette La Gaceta.

Ramos, who had held her post since 1988, communicated her decision through a letter to the National Assembly (Parliament), which accepted her resignation. Local media reports indicated that Ramos had been removed from her office by the National Police in October 2023. In her letter, she described her tenure as a period of "honor and responsibility" and stated that after years of service, her health requires her full attention, prompting her retirement.

Her resignation adds to a significant turnover within Nicaragua's highest court. The other magistrates who have recently resigned include Yadira Centeno, Ellen Lewin, Armengol Cuadra, Virgilio Gurdián, Manuel Martínez, Armando Juárez, Marvin Aguilar, and Gerardo Arce. Most cited health or retirement as their reasons for leaving.

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This decision marks the closing of a deeply significant chapter of my life. Since joining this institution, I have dedicated a large part of my professional career to serving it with commitment, responsibility, and deep respect for the principles, objectives, and values it represents.

However, Nicaraguan analysts and opposition figures offer a different perspective. They suggest that these numerous resignations are not solely due to personal reasons but are indicative of a political shift. According to these observers, the departing magistrates were aligned with former revolutionary commander Bayardo Arce Castaño and ex-head of State Security Lenín Cerna, both former advisors to President Daniel Ortega. Bayardo Arce Castaño is reportedly under state investigation for corruption.

These analysts believe the vacant positions are being filled by judges loyal to Ortega's wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo. This alleged shift in loyalty follows a significant constitutional reform enacted in February 2025. This reform reduced the Supreme Court's size from 16 to 10 magistrates and, crucially, granted Ortega and Murillo the authority to appoint the Supreme Court President for a six-year term. This new legislation, which repealed the previous Organic Law of the Judicial Power, effectively subordinates the entire judicial system to the presidency.

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I retire with the satisfaction of having strived to fulfill every responsibility entrusted to me with loyalty, dedication, and a vocation for service.