Nicaragua's Ortega Proposes Constitutional Reform to Cement Power

The reform would make Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo 'copresidents,' extend presidential terms, and further centralize authority.

Daniel Ortega has submitted a constitutional reform to Nicaragua's legislature, which is controlled by his Sandinista party and likely to pass the proposal.
The reform elevates Vice President Rosario Murillo, Ortega's wife, to the position of 'copresident' and extends presidential terms from five to six years.
The proposal consolidates executive control over legislative, judicial, and electoral bodies, which are currently considered independent under the existing constitution.
Critics, including the Organization of American States and dissident groups, have condemned the reform as an institutionalization of nepotism and authoritarianism, undermining democracy and the rule of law.
The reform follows years of repression, including the exile of opposition figures, journalists, and clergy, as well as the closure of thousands of organizations since anti-government protests in 2018.