Uruguay expresses concern over Ortega's remarks on suppressing Nicaragua elections

Uruguay's government has voiced strong concern regarding recent remarks by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who cast doubt on the continuation of national elections in his country. Through an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared its worry over Ortega's declarations, which it believes put the future of elections in "this brother country" into question.

Uruguay reiterated its stance that the Nicaraguan people must be able to exercise their sovereign right to elect authorities through "free, pluralistic, and periodic" elections, in accordance with constitutional norms and regional integration principles. This statement follows Ortega's comments on July 19 during the anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution. He asserted that Nicaragua "will not have elections again" for opposition groups to attempt to seize power, alleging past electoral processes were exploited by opponents with foreign backing.

Ortega further accused exiled opposition leaders of conspiring with U.S. support to regain power and announced plans to enact new legislation to prevent their political regrouping. He stated, "Laws must be made that put a wall, a block, on coup plotters and traitors to the homeland." These statements have drawn criticism from international governments and organizations, who view them as further eroding democratic institutions in Nicaragua and consolidating the power of Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo.