On November 21, 2024, Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega proposed a significant constitutional reform that would allow him and his wife, Vice-President Rosario Murillo, to serve as 'co-presidents.' This proposal comes as Ortega's Sandinista party maintains control over Congress, making the approval of this amendment highly likely. The reform also seeks to extend the presidential term from five to six years, further consolidating Ortega's power [5963e4ac].
Ortega, who has been in power since 2007, has faced increasing criticism for his authoritarian practices. His administration has been marked by the suppression of dissent, with over 5,000 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) shut down since the protests in 2018, which resulted in approximately 300 deaths. Thousands of Nicaraguans have fled into exile, escaping the oppressive political climate exacerbated by U.S. and EU sanctions [5963e4ac].
Rosario Murillo has emerged as a prominent figure in the government, often representing the administration in public as Ortega himself makes fewer appearances. The proposed constitutional changes also include provisions to strip citizenship from individuals labeled as 'traitors' and impose stricter controls on media and religious institutions, raising alarms among human rights advocates [5963e4ac].
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has reported serious human rights violations under Ortega's regime, highlighting the growing concerns over the erosion of democratic norms in Nicaragua. As the situation develops, the implications of these proposed reforms could further entrench Ortega's authoritarian rule and stifle any remaining opposition [5963e4ac].