Nicaragua - November 2024

A package of Executive-initiated constitutional amendments was approved in a first reading by the National Assembly. The amendments would give more power to President Daniel Ortega and elevate the position of Rosario Murillo (Ortega’s wife) from Vice-President to Co-President. The amendments formalize in the constitution the aggrandizement of the co-presidents’ power over other branches of government and electoral bodies. They would also extend the term of presidency from five to six years, adopt the flag of the ruling Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) party as a national symbol, enhance the role of the military and enshrine in the constitution the ability to strip Nicaraguan nationals of their citizenship as a sanction for crimes such as treason. The package of amendments needs to be ratified by the National Assembly next year (as constitutional amendments need to be approved in two legislatures) but are expected to pass as early as January.

Sources: Voz de América, CNN, The Guardian, DW