[REVISION HISTORY]

Nicaragua constitutional reforms and calls for intervention

Updated 55 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-24 17:21 UTC → 2026-10-26 22:47 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 that shift the next presidential elections from 2026 to 2028 and introduce measures to bar individuals linked to foreign sanctions or international financing. The National Assembly also approved an amendment to Article 12 to prohibit the legal effect of foreign laws or international resolutions within the country, a move seen as shielding the administration from international sanctions. 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 end regular commercial relations with the government. Throughout September and October, the ‘Hay Patria’ consultation process continued. The government reported participation from over 500,000 citizens across 86 municipalities. Vice-President Murillo has promoted these encounters as a “sovereign consultation of direct democracy” to gather a mandate for reforms. In municipalities such as Wiwilí, Quilalí, Jalapa, San Fernando, Santo Domingo, and El Ayote, residents have expressed support, claiming the reforms will protect national sovereignty and ensure the continuity of social programs. In October 2026, the National Assembly approved a constitutional reform in its first reading to eliminate the office of Vice President. Under the proposed modification to Article 126, the position would be replaced by “designados presidenciales” (presidential designees) appointed directly by the co-presidents. Opposition leaders, including exiled figure Félix Maradiaga, have criticized the move as an attempt to facilitate a “dynastic succession,” arguing the roles lack electoral legitimacy and serve to consolidate power within the ruling family.

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