Nicaragua's Ortega declares 'never again' for elections after two decades in power

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced on Sunday, July 20, 2026, that the country will no longer hold elections, effectively solidifying his nearly two-decade hold on power. Speaking at an event marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, Ortega stated that future elections would be blocked to prevent the exiled opposition from returning to government. He specifically declared "never again" for parties he characterized as backed by the United States.

Ortega, 80, has continuously served as president since 2007, following an earlier term in the 1980s, governing alongside his wife, Rosario Murillo, who holds the position of co-president. This latest declaration follows years of actions to consolidate power, including disputed elections, the detention of opposition figures, and constitutional reforms that extended presidential terms.

The pronouncement effectively cancels general elections that were anticipated for November 2027, which had been pushed back from 2026 after a constitutional amendment in January 2025 extended the presidential term from five to six years. This move has been widely seen as transforming Nicaragua into an authoritarian state, with Ortega and Murillo maintaining tight control over all government branches.