Nicaragua passes constitutional reform banning opposition and extending presidential term to seven years

Legislative approval and term extensions

Nicaragua's National Assembly voted on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, to approve a constitutional reform that bans all opposition political parties from participating in elections. The measure cleared its first legislative reading unanimously, as announced by Parliament head Gustavo Porras. Backed by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, the reform also lengthens presidential terms from six to seven years.

The constitutional amendments extend the tenure of other elected officials across the country, including national deputies and municipal mayors. In addition, the legislation applies the new seven-year term to the top commanders of both the national police and the army, tightening executive oversight across the security apparatus and legislative branches.

Ratification timetable and election schedule

Under Nicaraguan law, changes to the constitution require approval by two separate legislative sessions before taking effect. Co-president Rosario Murillo announced on Monday, 31 August 2026, that lawmakers will convene for the second and final ratification vote starting on 18 January 2027. Given the ruling Sandinista party's control of the National Assembly, the upcoming vote is expected to confirm the measure.

The reform adjusts the electoral calendar, postponing the next presidential vote to 2028 and moving municipal elections to 2029. This revision builds upon a 2024 reform that expanded the presidential mandate from five to six years, elevated Murillo from vice president to co-president, and initially delayed the 2026 presidential vote to late 2027. Ortega had outlined the plan during an address on 19 July.

There won't be any more elections.

International reaction and diplomatic fallout

The vote prompted criticism from governments across the Western Hemisphere. Several Central American nations, alongside Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile, described the constitutional overhaul as a setback for democratic governance in the region.

The United States responded by urging the international community to isolate the Nicaraguan government diplomatically. Panama took concrete diplomatic action by withdrawing its ambassador from the capital city of Managua following the announcement of the electoral ban.

Background and consolidation of power

Daniel Ortega, a former leftist guerrilla approaching his 81st birthday, has governed Nicaragua since returning to office in 2007, making him the longest-serving leader in the Americas. Ortega previously took part in overthrowing the Somoza family in the late 1970s. He secured his fourth consecutive presidential term in January 2022 following a disputed ballot in November 2021.

The political system has experienced continuous instability since April 2018, when state forces repressed nationwide anti-government demonstrations. Those clashes resulted in more than 300 deaths, left thousands injured, and triggered a mass exodus of citizens fleeing the country. The new amendments solidify the governing couple's authority by barring opposing factions from future participation.