[REVISION HISTORY]

Nicaragua approves constitutional reforms to consolidate Oré

Updated 43 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-06 19:02 UTC → 2026-09-11 01:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, noting that a~~ year. On September 8, 2026, the second ~~stage~~ phase of ~~direct consultation regarding the reforms will begin~~ these consultations, titled ‘Hay Patria’, commenced in ~~Estelí.~~ the municipalities of the Estelí department.

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