Panama Recalls Ambassador to Nicaragua After Ortega's Remarks on Elections

Panama has summoned its ambassador from Nicaragua for consultations, a significant diplomatic move in response to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's declaration that elections will no longer be held in the Central American nation. The Panamanian government views Ortega's statement as a severe blow to democratic principles.

In a statement, Panama's Foreign Ministry described the suppression of the fundamental right to vote as a "strong affront" to democratic principles. By recalling Ambassador Eddy Davis Rodríguez, Panama is effectively lowering the level of its diplomatic relations with Managua, according to official sources.

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Suprimir" un derecho "fundamental" como es el voto "representa un fuerte agravio" a principios democráticos y "en respuesta a ese grave hecho, el Gobierno de Panamá ha convocado a consultas en la Ciudad de Panamá al embajador ante Nicaragua

Ortega, who has governed Nicaragua since 2007, stated during the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution that "there will be no more elections" in Nicaragua, aimed at preventing the opposition from seizing power. Panama's Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to democracy, constitutional order, fundamental freedoms, and political pluralism, emphasizing that free, periodic, transparent, and competitive elections are essential for democracy's existence.

Panama urged Nicaragua to respect civil and political rights, preserve the electoral path, and ensure conditions for all voices to participate freely in public life. This action aligns Panama with Costa Rica and the United States, both of which have also criticized Ortega's authoritarian tendencies. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Ortega of revealing his "true authoritarian nature."

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ha mostrado su "verdadera naturaleza autoritaria"