Nicaragua advances constitutional reforms to alter electoral rules

The National Assembly of Nicaragua is advancing a partial reform of the country’s Political Constitution. The legislative process includes consultations with various cultural sectors, including artists, writers, and artisans, who have expressed support for the proposed changes to strengthen the constitutional framework.

Gustavo Porras Cortés, president of the National Assembly, stated that the reforms aim to ensure stability, security, and peace to combat poverty. A key component of the proposal involves reforming 14 articles, specifically targeting the electoral system. Under the proposed changes, individuals deemed to have violated the constitution or undermined national sovereignty and independence—referred to by Porras as “traitors to the fatherland”—would be barred from participating in elections or running for office.

Additionally, the reform proposes extending the terms for elected positions, including members of the National Assembly, to seven-year periods to allow for more stable implementation of government projects.