Nicaragua's President Ortega Declares End to Elections to Stifle Opposition

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced the cessation of elections, claiming it is to prevent opposition parties from returning to power. This declaration comes amid a backdrop of political turmoil and accusations of authoritarianism against his administration. Ortega's government has faced significant criticism for its handling of dissent and the jailing of opposition leaders. As Nicaragua grapples with a prolonged political crisis, Ortega's latest move raises concerns about the future of democracy in the country. Read on to learn more about the implications of this decision and the current state of affairs in Nicaragua.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 05:04 IST

Ortega's Announcement on Elections

President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua has declared that the nation will cease holding elections, a decision he claims is aimed at preventing opposition parties from regaining power. During a ceremony commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution on Sunday, Ortega stated, "There will be no more elections here so that they can try to seize the government, seize power." The 80-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2007 after an earlier term in the 1980s, also mentioned plans to collaborate with the National Assembly to enact new legislation designed to create a barrier against what he termed coup plotters and traitors. Although elections were scheduled for next year, Ortega did not clarify if they would be officially canceled or if opposition parties would simply be excluded from participation.

New Legislative Measures Against Opposition

Ortega Says New Laws Will Block Opposition

In his address, Ortega emphasized that the time for parties supported by the United States and those loyal to former dictator Anastasio Somoza to return to power has ended. Last year, he implemented constitutional changes that extended the presidential term from five to six years and elevated his wife, Rosario Murillo, from vice president to "co-president." Together, they wield significant control over essential government institutions, including the military and judiciary. The 2021 elections in Nicaragua were marred by controversy, as Ortega's administration arrested opposition leaders, banned political parties, and criminalized dissent. During the electoral campaign, all potential opposition presidential candidates were imprisoned. The Ortega-Murillo government has faced accusations from the U.N. Human Rights Council of turning Nicaragua into an authoritarian regime and systematically violating human rights. Since anti-government protests erupted in 2018, Nicaragua has been embroiled in a deep political crisis, with reports from organizations like the United Nations indicating that the government's response to these protests led to over 300 fatalities, numerous injuries, and thousands of arrests.