The Central American state\u2019s longtime leader intends to block the opposition from challenging his rule.<\/p>\n
Published On 20 Jul 202620 Jul 2026<\/p>\n
President Daniel Ortega has told supporters that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections.<\/p>\n
In power since 2007 following elections questioned by the international community, the 80-year-old Marxist framed the move as a way to block the opposition, which he asserted is controlled by the United States.<\/p>\n
Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list<\/p>\n
\u201cThere won\u2019t be \u2060\u2060any more elections here for them to try to seize the government and seize power,\u201d he said during a speech on Sunday at an event commemorating the 1979 Sandinista revolution. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe days when parties backed by the Yankees and the Somocistas would return to power are over \u2013 never again,\u201d he added, according to the Reuters news agency.<\/p>\n
He has been accused of crushing dissent in a bid to remain in power. The last election in 2021 was disputed after his government cracked down on dissent<\/a> and detained opponents.<\/p>\n Last year, the presidential term was extended to six years and Ortega\u2019s wife, Rosario Murillo, was named as co-president<\/a>.<\/p>\n