UN rights chief condemns Nicaragua's move to scrap elections

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that President Daniel Ortega’s announcement that Nicaragua will not hold elections deepens severe restrictions on fundamental freedoms, dismantles civic space and erodes the rule of law. Ortega, sharing the presidency with Vice‑President Rosario Murillo, said the country will cease electoral contests, extending his term to 2027 and eliminating any chance of opposition challenge.

Turk highlighted several abuses: the arbitrary revocation of dozens of lawyers’ credentials, the detention of at least 46 political detainees, and the unresolved disappearance of Bishop Abelardo Mata Guevara. He called on authorities to restore civic space, release detainees and allow all citizens to vote and run for office in line with international human‑rights obligations.

Governments in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and the United States also condemned Ortega’s statements, citing violations of UN Charter principles and democratic norms. The UN’s condemnation adds diplomatic pressure on the Sandinista regime as it pursues constitutional reforms aimed at a closed electoral system.