Nicaragua’s National Assembly has approved constitutional reforms that extend presidential terms and exclude opposition figures from elections, prompting condemnation from a Nicaraguan human rights organization, exiled opposition leaders, the United States, Costa Rica, and Peru. Critics say the changes consolidate Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo’s control over the state while further restricting political and religious freedoms. 1 2

Constitutional reforms

The National Assembly, which is controlled by Ortega and Murillo’s governing alliance, approved the reform unanimously in general terms on Sept. 1 during a special session in León. The changes are scheduled to take effect in 2027. 1 2

The reform extends the terms of the president and other senior officials from six to seven years, with the possibility of renewal. It also bars people labeled “traitors to the homeland,” “coup plotters,” or “terrorists” from participating in elections—terms the government uses for political opponents and other dissenters. 1 2

Ortega has governed Nicaragua since 2007, after previously leading the country from 1979 to 1990. On July 19, he reportedly said there would be no further elections, and on July 31 he proposed the constitutional changes. 1 2

Opposition from Ruta del Cambio

Ruta del Cambio, a human rights and rule-of-law organization whose leaders include exiled former presidential candidate Félix Maradiaga, said it rejects the reform and does not recognize its legal validity. The group described the National Assembly as lacking independence and functioning as a rubber stamp for Ortega and Murillo. 1 2

The organization characterized the measure as a “formalization of the usurpation of power,” saying it was drafted secretly, approved without opposition, and designed to preserve the ruling couple’s positions and immunity. It called for the reform, along with any mandates, appointments, or extensions derived from it, to be declared invalid under international law. 1 2

Elections and political freedoms

Arturo McFields Yescas, Nicaragua’s former ambassador to the Organization of American States, said the reform seeks to create elections without genuine competition, legitimacy, or the possibility of a change in government. He said Ortega controls both the judiciary and the electoral system. 1 2

McFields said the designation “traitors to the homeland” applies broadly to people who question Ortega’s authority, support international mediation, or simply disagree with the government. He argued that the reform further undermines civil, political, and religious freedoms. 1 2

International reaction

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the constitutional rewrite had removed what remained of Nicaragua’s democracy. He said the United States would pursue measures at the next OAS foreign ministers’ meeting to end what he described as normal relations with the Ortega-Murillo government. 1 2

Costa Rica expressed deep concern about Nicaragua’s democratic deterioration and said it would support a firm, coordinated response through the OAS. Peru also rejected the reform and said it would stand with Nicaraguan political prisoners, exiles, and people facing persecution for seeking free elections. 1 2

McFields described the U.S. position as an important beginning and said the OAS had acted with unusually broad support by approving a resolution calling for a foreign ministers’ meeting on Nicaragua. He criticized Brazil and Mexico for not supporting the resolution. 1 2

Pressure on the Catholic Church

The article places the constitutional changes within a broader campaign against Nicaragua’s Catholic Church that it says has continued since 2018. McFields cited the imprisonment, exile, and banishment of priests, as well as attacks on churches, as evidence of the persecution. 1 2

The latest reported case involves Abelardo Mata, the 80-year-old emeritus bishop of Estelí, who has diabetes, a heart condition, and vision problems. His whereabouts and health remain uncertain despite the government’s claim that he is at home. 1 2

In mid-August, the government released a video showing an interview with Mata, who had recently marked 50 years as a priest, but did not identify when the footage had been recorded. 1 2