# Nicaragua approves constitutional reforms to consolidate Oré

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/countries-outline-2026-public-holidays-and-long-weekends
> Updated: 2026-09-08T21:22:00.000Z. Sources: 635. Developments: 38.

In late July and early August 2026, President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo unveiled constitutional reforms to consolidate power. The proposed changes include extending the presidential term from six to seven renewable years, elevating the vice presidency to a co-presidency, and extending terms for the National Assembly, army commander-in-chief, and police chiefs to seven years. A central component involves barring individuals labeled as “traitors to the fatherland,” “terrorists,” or “golpistas” from future elections. On September 1, 2026, the National Assembly unanimously approved reforms targeting multiple articles. This legislative move follows Ortega’s declaration that the country would no longer hold elections to prevent opposition parties from attempting to seize power. The reforms specifically shift the next presidential elections from 2026 to 2028 and introduce measures to bar individuals linked to foreign sanctions or international financing from seeking office. A second ratification process is scheduled for January 2027. The international community has responded with condemnation. The United States described the move as a “farce” intended to consolidate an “illegitimate dynasty,” with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling on allies to cease “business as usual” and end regular commercial relations with the government, labeling the administration a “brutal dictatorship.” Regional neighbors, including Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, and Paraguay, have also criticized the reforms. Conversely, China has defended the measures, stating that each nation has the right to choose its own development path and invoking the principle of non-interference. In response to criticism, Nicaragua’s Foreign Ministry has asserted that the sovereignty of its people is not subject to questioning. To advance the process, Vice-President Murillo announced an extension of public “consultations” across more than 100 municipalities through the end of the year. On September 8, 2026, the second phase of these consultations, titled ‘Hay Patria’, commenced in the municipalities of the Estelí department.

## Claims

- The constitutional reform was approved unanimously by the National Assembly. (disputed by 21 sources)
- The Nicaraguan government postponed the vote on a constitutional reform that would bar opposition parties from elections to September. (disputed by 5 sources)
- The reform extends presidential terms from six to seven years. (corroborated by 27 sources)
- The reform prohibits individuals involved in coup attempts, treason, or those requesting foreign military intervention from participating in elections. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- Assembly President Gustavo Porras previewed the reform content on Tuesday. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Only international agreements formally signed and ratified by the State of Nicaragua will have legal validity within the country. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The constitutional reform is scheduled for a final vote in September 2026. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- The second ratification of the reform is scheduled to begin in January 2027. (corroborated by 15 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Nicaragua begins second phase of constitutional reform consultations

Nicaragua has launched the second phase of public consultations for constitutional reforms, starting with community voting and support sessions in the Estelí department.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-implements-constitutional-reforms-to-protect-sovereignty

### 2026-09-04: Nicaragua commemorates 48th anniversary of September Insurrection

Nicaraguan Co-President Rosario Murillo commemorated the 48th anniversary of the September Insurrection and announced upcoming public consultations regarding constitutional reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-commemorates-48th-anniversary-of-september-insurrection

### 2026-09-04: Nicaragua defends national sovereignty against foreign questioning

Nicaragua has rejected diplomatic questioning from Guatemala, Peru, Paraguay, and Costa Rica, asserting its right to internal sovereignty and non-interference following recent constitutional reforms.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-defends-national-sovereignty-against-foreign-questioning

### 2026-09-04: Nicaragua approves constitutional reforms extending terms and barring opposition

Nicaragua's National Assembly has approved a constitutional reform extending official terms to seven years and barring individuals labeled “traitors to the homeland” from seeking public office.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-rejects-regional-criticism-over-constitutional-reforms

### 2026-09-01: Nicaragua approves constitutional reform banning opposition and extending terms

Nicaragua's National Assembly has approved constitutional reforms extending presidential terms to seven years and banning political opponents labeled as “traitors” from participating in elections.

74 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-deputies-approve-constitutional-reforms

### 2026-08-26: Nicaragua to present constitutional reform results in León

Nicaragua's National Assembly will present constitutional reform consultation results in a solemn session in León on September 1, following support from youth groups and foreign diplomats.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguan-universities-and-solidarity-groups-back-constitutional-reforms

### 2026-08-24: Nicaragua honors deceased labor leader José Ángel Bermúdez

Nicaragua's government has posthumously awarded high honors, including the Order of Commander José Benito Escobar, to prominent labor leader and Sandinista militant José Ángel Bermúdez Lazo.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-advances-constitutional-reforms-and-honors-national-figures

### 2026-08-22: Nicaragua National Assembly approves constitutional reform to block foreign laws

Nicaragua's National Assembly unanimously approved a constitutional amendment to Article 12, prohibiting the legal effect of foreign laws and international resolutions to protect national sovereignty.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-american-court-of-justice-dissolves-as-member-states-withdraw

### 2026-08-22: Nicaraguan exiles urge U.S. action against Ortega government

Nicaraguan exiles in Florida are urging the U.S. to take stronger action against Daniel Ortega's government, citing security threats from ties to China, Russia, and Iran, and the end of democratic elections.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguan-exiles-urge-us-action-against-ortega-government

### 2026-08-19: Nicaraguan opposition proposes 24-month democratic transition plan

Nicaraguan opposition groups have proposed a 24-month democratic transition plan involving a transitional board and new elections to replace the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguan-opposition-proposes-24-month-democratic-transition-plan

### 2026-08-15: Nicaragua: Daniel Ortega announces end to future elections

President Daniel Ortega announced that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections, effectively ending competitive voting to prevent opposition parties from gaining power.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-daniel-ortega-announces-end-to-future-elections

### 2026-08-15: Nicaragua prepares for independence celebrations and constitutional reforms

Nicaragua prepares for its Fiestas Patrias independence celebrations in September, alongside planned constitutional reforms to reinforce national sovereignty and non-interference.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-prepares-for-independence-celebrations-and-constitutional-reforms

### 2026-08-15: Nicaragua human rights concerns raised at OAS

Rosa María Payá warned the OAS that the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua is using ‘civil death’—stripping citizens of records and property—to silence critics and threaten regional stability.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-human-rights-concerns-raised-at-oas

### 2026-08-12: Nicaragua advances constitutional reforms to alter electoral rules

Nicaragua is pursuing constitutional reforms that would bar individuals accused of undermining national sovereignty from running for office and extend terms for elected officials to seven years.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-advances-constitutional-reforms-to-alter-electoral-rules

### 2026-08-08: Nicaragua: President Ortega signals intent to abolish elections

President Daniel Ortega has stated he will not allow future elections in Nicaragua, following constitutional reforms that consolidated power and extended mandates for the ruling Sandinista leadership.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-president-ortega-signals-intent-to-abolish-elections

### 2026-08-06: Nicaragua Indigenous Groups Endorse Constitutional Reform, Cite Sovereignty

Nicaragua’s indigenous and Afro‑descendant communities backed constitutional reforms, calling them historic steps for autonomy, cultural identity and national sovereignty.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-indigenous-groups-endorse-constitutional-reform-cite-sovereignty

### 2026-08-05: Nicaragua's Ortega-Murillo reforms draw OEA condemnation, US action

Ortega-Murillo's constitutional overhaul to end opposition voting and extend terms sparks OEA condemnation and US‑led diplomatic pressure, with a pending OEA ministers' meeting.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oas-calls-for-ministers-meeting-to-condemn-ortegas-election-cancellation-in-nicaragua

### 2026-08-03: Nicaragua condemned by OEA as president vows to end elections

OEA members condemn Daniel Ortega's pledge to end elections in Nicaragua, urging respect for human‑rights obligations and calling for a meeting to address the crisis; opposition exiles seek coordinated pressure

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguas-ortega-faces-diplomatic-break-with-colombia-and-cidh-calls-for-democratic-safeguards

### 2026-08-03: Nicaragua pushes constitutional reform and election rule changes

Nicaragua holds August public consultations on a partial constitutional reform that may set a renewable seven‑year presidential term, bars candidates linked to coups or sanctions, and sparks debate over the 202

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-pushes-constitutional-reform-and-election-rule-changes

### 2026-07-30: Nicaragua advances reform to extend term and block opposition

Nicaragua's National Assembly is moving a constitutional reform that would extend the presidential term to seven renewable years, bar opposition candidates labeled “terrorists” or “golpistas”, and set seven‑yr

32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguas-daniel-ortega-declares-end-of-elections-as-us-diplomat-warns-he-will-cling-to-power

### 2026-07-28: Nicaragua crackdown intensifies as UN condemns Ortega’s anti‑democratic measures

UN officials condemned Nicaragua’s new anti‑democratic plan, the abolition of its legislature and intensified repression of journalists and the Catholic Church, after President Ortega announced “no more elev­e‑

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-crackdown-intensifies-as-un-condemns-ortegas-antidemocratic-measures

### 2026-07-28: Nicaragua President Ortega pushes constitutional reform to extend term and bar opposition 'traitors

President Daniel Ortega proposes a constitutional reform to bar “traitors” from elections and extend the presidential term to seven years, with approval expected in September, sparking regional criticism.

45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-parliament-pushes-constitutional-amendment-to-extend-presidential-term-to-seven-years

### 2026-07-26: Nicaragua postpones constitutional reform as Ortega vows to end elections

Ortega announced Nicaragua will abolish elections; the vote on a reform to bar opposition was postponed to September after consultations, sparking international criticism.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguas-ortega-declares-elections-will-never-return

### 2026-07-23: Nicaragua President Ortega Declares End of Elections, Prompting International Condemnation

Ortega announced Nicaragua will scrap elections, consolidating power with his wife; the EU, UN, OAS and regional states condemned the move and urged democratic reforms.

55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-warns-against-ortegas-call-to-end-elections-in-nicaragua

### 2026-07-21: Nicaragua President Ortega declares end of elections, drawing UN and US condemnation

President Ortega says Nicaragua will not hold elections, prompting UN and US criticism and plans for constitutional reforms to block opposition.

91 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguas-ortega-announces-plan-to-eliminate-future-elections

### 2026-07-19: Nicaragua President Ortega declares elections will not be held

President Daniel Ortega, 80, said Nicaragua will have no elections, pledging a legal “wall” against opposition; 2025 reforms made his wife co‑president and postponed the 2026 vote to 2027. The U.S., OAS and Pan

222 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-commemorates-47th-anniversary-of-sandinista-revolution

### 2026-07-16: Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Italy over extradition dispute

Nicaragua ends diplomatic relations with Italy after Italy’s foreign minister demanded extradition of Red Brigades member Alessio Casimirri, convicted for Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italys-foreign-minister-tajani-presses-nicaragua-to-extradite-red-brigades-terrorist-casimirri-amid-

### 2026-07-11: Nicaragua commemorates historic figures José Santos Zelaya and Julio Buitrago

Nicaragua held two commemorations: a Liberal Revolution anniversary honoring José Santos Zelaya and a Sandinista march honoring commander Julio Buitrago.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-commemorates-historic-figures-jos-santos-zelaya-and-julio-buitrago

### 2026-07-03: Nicaragua schedules 79,000 events for July Victorioso 2026 celebrations

Nicaragua's Copresident Rosario Murillo announced 79,000 events nationwide this weekend for the July Victorioso 2026 celebrations, featuring festivals, contests, parades and cultural programs to promote peace,

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-schedules-79000-events-for-july-victorioso-2026-celebrations

### 2026-07-01: Nicaragua marks July with San Albino Manifesto celebrations and new Tree of Life

Nicaragua opened July with cultural festivities, a new Tree of Life in Sébaco, and commemorated the 99th anniversary of Sandino's anti‑imperialism San Albino Manifesto.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-launches-july-celebrations-with-nationwide-events-and-new-tree-of-life-lighting

### 2026-06-25: Nicaragua prepares nationwide celebrations of historic Masaya tactical withdrawal

Nicaragua will stage over 77,000 nationwide events this weekend to mark the historic tactical withdrawal to Masaya, announced by Vice President Rosario Murillo as part of the 47/19 celebrations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-prepares-nationwide-celebrations-of-historic-masaya-tactical-withdrawal

### 2026-06-22: Nicaragua commemorates 90th birthday of Sandinista founder Carlos Fonseca

Nicaragua held nationwide events, including a National Assembly session and youth ceremonies, to mark the 90th birth anniversary of Sandinista founder Carlos Fonseca.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-marks-carlos-fonsecas-90th-birthday-with-special-assembly-session-in-zinica-and-citywide-e

### 2026-06-19: Nicaragua commemorates Sandinista founder Carlos Fonseca with art show and nationwide school program

Nicaragua honored Sandinista founder Carlos Fonseca with a Managua art exhibition and a nationwide pedagogical day featuring conferences, performances and reflection activities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-commemorates-sandinista-founder-carlos-fonseca-with-art-show-and-nationwide-school-program

### 2026-06-15: Nicaragua honors revolutionary fighters in student and language school ceremonies

Nicaragua commemorated revolutionary heroes, honoring student leader Marlon Zelaya and the Batahola fighters, linking their sacrifice to free education and language programmes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-honors-revolutionary-fighters-in-student-and-language-school-ceremonies

### 2026-06-12: Nicaragua marks 47th anniversary of revolutionary hero sacrifices

Nicaragua’s youth and families commemorated the 47th anniversary of revolutionary heroes in Managua and Carazo, holding flag relays and marches to honor historic sacrifices.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-marks-47th-anniversary-of-revolutionary-hero-sacrifices

### 2026-06-02: Nicaragua's National Assembly honors historic women, university celebrates Raúl Castro

Nicaragua’s Assembly honored historic women while UNAN‑Managua celebrated Raúl Castro’s 95th birthday, underscoring Sandinista ties with Cuba.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaraguas-national-assembly-honors-historic-women-university-celebrates-ral-castro

### 2026-05-29: Nicaragua marks 131st birthday of General Sandino in South Africa

Nicaragua's mission in Pretoria commemorated General Sandino's 131st birthday on 28 May 2026, with South African political groups, allied embassies and cultural performances emphasizing anti‑imperialist ties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-marks-131st-birthday-of-general-sandino-in-south-africa

### 2026-05-18: Nicaragua commemorates 131st birthday of revolutionary General Sandino with speeches and new university launch

Nicaragua marks Sandino’s 131st birthday with Ortega‑Murillo speeches, a special Assembly session and the first‑year celebration of the La Sandino university.

162 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-commemorates-131st-birthday-of-revolutionary-leader-augusto-sandino

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Cite as: Nicaragua approves constitutional reforms to consolidate Oré. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/countries-outline-2026-public-holidays-and-long-weekends