Ortega Defends Reforms to 'Strengthen Peace,' Extend Term

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has defended proposed constitutional reforms, asserting they are crucial for strengthening and protecting peace rather than imposing it through force. Speaking at the 47th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Army's Air and Anti-Aircraft Defense Force, Ortega stated that the laws are not intended to impose a state of siege or resort to violence, but rather to ensure that "no space is left for terrorists or coup plotters" to organize new wars.

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It is important the work we are doing from a legal standpoint. This is not about imposing peace with a state of siege. It is not about imposing peace at gunpoint. It is about peace being installed, peace being maintained, reinforced by laws.

Ortega's remarks come after he declared on July 19, 2026, that "there will be no more elections." While his political operators later downplayed this by suggesting he meant no elections for coup plotters, the proposed reforms themselves aim to extend the presidential term from six to seven years, with the possibility of extension. This follows a previous extension in 2025 that increased the term from five to six years. Ortega notably remained silent on the presidential term extension during his speech.

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The laws are not working (to impose) a state of siege or to shoot anyone. They are simply to ensure that no places are left where they can once again launch their criminal wars like those they launched against Nicaragua.

He also addressed the United States, emphasizing Nicaragua's desire for peace and its commitment to strengthening its armed forces and police as a "great containment wall." Ortega claimed that while his government seeks peace, "others continue to conspire to find ways to bring war back to Nicaragua." The announcement of reforms and the threat to eliminate elections have drawn criticism from numerous countries, including the United States and the European Union, with Panama and the Dominican Republic recalling their ambassadors for consultations.

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Do not give space to terrorists, to coup plotters, do not give them space to come and organize wars again like those they organized back in 1856 when the filibuster William Walker, recognized by the United States, came and became president in Nicaragua.

Additionally, Ortega used the occasion to request funds from the U.S. to combat drug trafficking and mentioned his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, who was reportedly arrested.

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The Nicaraguan people feel strengthened and are fully prepared to give more strength to the Army, to the Armed Forces of Nicaragua, to the Police. That is the great containment wall we are working on. And accompanying this, the reforms, which must be made to strengthen the country's sovereignty... For what? So that elections can be held in Nicaragua with sovereignty.