Nicaragua’s Congress has approved a controversial constitutional reform backed by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo that would ban opposition parties from participating in elections.
The reform also extends the presidential term from six years to seven years and increases the terms of other elected officials, as well as the heads of the military and police, to seven years.
The measure has passed its first legislative vote and must be approved again in a second session beginning in January 2027 before becoming law. The proposal has drawn criticism from the United States and several countries in Latin America, with critics describing it as another major setback for democracy in Nicaragua.
The development comes amid a prolonged political crisis in the country and growing international concern over the government’s restrictions on political opposition.
News as Reported.
