On November 22, 2024, the National Assembly of Nicaragua approved a constitutional reform that grants President Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, now designated as 'co-president,' absolute control over state powers.
The initiative, presented by Ortega and passed unanimously by the Assembly, controlled by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), extends the presidential term from five to six years and elevates Murillo's role to equal that of Ortega.
The reform consolidates executive power by establishing that the co-presidents will coordinate legislative, judicial, electoral, and local bodies, which were previously recognized as independent by the Constitution.
Ortega, a former guerrilla leader, returned to power in 2007 and has faced criticism for establishing a 'dictatorship' alongside Murillo. Analysts suggest that the reform formalizes plans for the succession of Murillo and their son, Laureano Ortega, to key government positions.
The reform has sparked widespread condemnation from Nicaraguans in exile, international organizations, the United States, and the Organization of American States (OAS), with concerns over the erosion of democratic institutions.
Under the new constitutional provisions, the state will monitor the press and the Church to prevent foreign influence, and it officially revokes citizenship from those deemed 'traitors to the homeland.' Additionally, it establishes a 'voluntary police' composed of civilians to support security forces, referencing the violent protests of 2018 that resulted in 320 deaths.
Critics argue that this reform marks a significant step towards a totalitarian regime, undermining democracy and fundamental rights in Nicaragua.