Nicaragua to Abolish Elections, President Ortega Declares

Nicaragua will cease holding elections, a move that effectively eliminates any future challenges to President Daniel Ortega's long-standing grip on power. The announcement came from Ortega himself, signaling an end to the electoral process in the Central American nation.

This decision ensures that Ortega's authority will not be contested when his current presidential term concludes next year. He has been a dominant figure in Nicaraguan politics for nearly two decades, serving as president or vice president throughout this period.

The move effectively consolidates Ortega's rule, removing the pretense of democratic competition. Critics have long accused Ortega's government of authoritarianism and suppressing dissent, particularly following the 2018 protests that were met with a violent crackdown. The discontinuation of elections is expected to further intensify international concerns about Nicaragua's democratic trajectory.