Story perspectives

Nicaragua Congress bans opposition parties in constitutional reform

9/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nicaragua's Congress passed a reform banning opposition parties and extending presidential term to seven years.
President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo supported the amendment.
The amendment will be ratified in a second legislative session beginning January 18, 2027.
It grants the Supreme Electoral Council broader power to cancel parties and sanction candidates.
The United States and the Organization of American States condemned the amendment as a democratic setback.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 Ferdinand Marcos secured a new constitution that eliminated the 1935 two-term limit, letting him stay in power. The move followed the 1971 Constitutional Convention, marred by a bribery scandal, and his September 1972 declaration of martial law; the 1973 plebiscite recorded about 95 % approval. It shows how constitutional changes can extend executive authority, a pattern later seen elsewhere.

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Story summary

Nicaragua's Congress passed a reform banning opposition parties and extending presidential term to seven years.
President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo supported the amendment.
The amendment will be ratified in a second legislative session beginning January 18, 2027.
It grants the Supreme Electoral Council broader power to cancel parties and sanction candidates.
The United States and the Organization of American States condemned the amendment as a democratic setback.

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