Ortega and Murillo aim to impose 'dynastic dictatorship' in Nicaragua, experts say

Nicaraguan leaders Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo are allegedly moving to cement a "dynastic dictatorship" in the country through a new constitutional reform, according to an analysis by the Center for Transdisciplinary Studies of Central America (Cetcam).

Ortega himself signaled this direction on July 19, stating that no further elections would be held and that a package of reforms would be sent to the National Assembly. The president of the officialist Parliament, Gustavo Porras, subsequently announced a constitutional reform initiative aimed at "definitively annulling the possibility of fair, competitive, and transparent elections."

The proposed reforms include extending presidential terms to seven years, a measure that would also apply to over 7,000 public positions, including those in the military and police. Cetcam notes that between 2024 and 2025, Ortega and Murillo further consolidated their authoritarian rule by reforming the constitution to subordinate all state powers, as well as municipal and regional governments, to the presidency. They also established two co-presidencies and restricted the right of citizens to run for office if deemed "traitors to the homeland," while extending the presidential term from five to six years.

Experts believe these reforms, coupled with Ortega's announcement to end elections, set a dangerous precedent for Latin America and the world. The international community, including the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European Union, is paying close attention. The United States has been particularly vocal, urging an extraordinary session of the OAS Permanent Council to address Nicaragua's situation.

Cetcam views this as the culmination of a process where the Ortega Murillo administration has eliminated the last vestiges of democracy and citizen rights in Nicaragua, most critically the right to choose their leaders. Pro-democracy groups in exile see this as a clearer path forward for their advocacy efforts.