Ortega Says No More Elections in Nicaragua, Spurring International Condemnation

Daniel Ortega announced on July 19, 2026 that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections, a move that has drawn swift international condemnation and signals a full break with democratic pretenses. Source: elcaribedr, infobae, clarin

What happened

Ortega declared during the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution that 'there will be no more elections' to prevent the opposition from taking power Source: elcaribedr. The Nicaraguan parliament, controlled by the ruling party, has begun drafting reforms to formalize the ban Source: clarin. Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, now co-president, govern with absolute power since 2007.

International reaction

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it 'authoritarian' and said the Trump administration will not 'stand by' Source: clarin.
• UN High Commissioner Volker Türk condemned the 'repression of fundamental freedoms' and demanded immediate release of arbitrarily detained persons Source: diariolibree.
• The OEA and Costa Rica also criticized the move; Costa Rica recalled its ambassador Source: clarin.

What it means

Analysts say Ortega has 'removed the mask', ending even the pretense of democracy Source: infobae. The regime consolidates a family dynasty, with Murillo positioned as successor. Freedom House ranks Nicaragua as the second most deteriorated country in 20 years Source: infobae. Opposition figures fear a formal one-party state.