Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega is preparing for significant constitutional changes aimed squarely at securing his family's grip on power. The proposal, unveiled recently, seeks to establish positions for "co-president" and "co-presidentess," effectively enabling Ortega to appoint his wife, Rosario Murillo, who is currently vice president, to share leadership responsibilities. This move raises questions about the future of democracy and governance in Nicaragua, as Ortega and Murillo would not only solidify their control over the Executive branch but also intertwine their authority with the Legislative, Judicial, and Electoral powers of the state.
The sweeping reforms involve amending over 100 articles of the Nicaraguan Constitution, with one of the most significant changes being the extension of the presidential term from five to six years. What’s more, the co-presidents will enjoy immunity throughout their terms, making it challenging for any legal challenges to their rule. Such provisions suggest a modern-day dynastic approach to governance, where the line between state power and personal ownership blurs entirely.
According to reports from the BBC, the reforms would also formally legalize the establishment of "volunteer police," paramilitary groups linked to severe human rights violations during protests against Ortega’s rule back in 2018. These security forces are set to operate under minimal oversight, raising alarms among human rights activists and foreign observers.
Compounding the situation are new restrictions on freedom of speech included within the proposed amendments. Free expression would be allowed only when it does not pose any threat to the so-called principles of "security, peace, and well-being," as defined by the government. Critics worry about how broadly these terms could be interpreted, effectively silencing dissent and criticism of the regime. Further entrenching Ortega's dictates, the reform elevates the Sandinista National Liberation Front's (FSLN) flag to the status of a national emblem.
With the National Assembly heavily dominated by the ruling party, it is all but guaranteed this reform will be expedited through the legislative process. Gustavo Porras, the president of the Chamber, has indicated urgency behind the push, and observers expect it could sail through the assembly in the coming days.
The announcement has sparked outrage, particularly from the opposition, which has largely been exiled due to intense government crackdowns on dissenters. Prominent opposition figure Félix Maradiaga stated, "it’s the formalization on paper of the bicentennial dictatorship already existing in Nicaragua." His sentiments are echoed by Juan Sebastián Chamorro, another notable opposition leader who emphasizes the groundbreaking elimination of any real separation of powers, indicating yet another example of the consolidation of authoritarian rule.
The Organization of American States (OAS) has taken notice of the proposal, decrying it as "an aberration" and urging the Nicaraguan government to restore genuine democratic processes. According to the OAS, this amendment effectively institutionalizes what they are calling "a marriage dictatorship," where the powers of governance rest squarely with Ortega and his wife, rather than being distributed across independent branches.
Rosario Murillo's ascent has been dramatic and noteworthy. Known for her unique style and mystically-influenced leadership, Murillo has already been making significant decisions since she took office as vice president back in 2017. Analysts argue she is effectively functioning as co-president already, which brings us to the crux of the issue: this constitutional change serves to officially ratify her position at Ortega's side, formalizing what many critics already perceive as their joint rule.
The political duo chemistry between Ortega and Murillo has raised eyebrows and questions internationally, solidifying fears about the country moving toward governmental structures reminiscent of monarchies, with Ortega and Murillo compared to contemporary 'king and queen' figures. This power-sharing scheme could represent a definitive point of no return for Nicaragua, dismantling any remaining barriers meant to maintain the independence of government functions. Should these reforms come to fruition, the ramifications would not only be significant for the leadership of Ortega and Murillo but would mark the definitive move toward one-party absolutism.
For many observers, the reform appears to be part of systematic efforts by Ortega and Murillo to eliminate all internal challenges to their authority, reinforcing the status quo, which thrives on unabashed repression. While allies such as Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, and Iran appear supportive, the rest of the global community, including numerous human rights organizations, continues to condemn the increasing authoritarianism within Nicaragua. The political, social, and economic crises facing the nation seem poised to deepen as the amendments, if enacted, will institutionalize the Ortega-Murillo narrative of control at every level of government.
The issue encapsulates not only the plight of Nicaraguans yearning for freedom and representation but also the chilling effect such totalitarian consolidations have on the region’s stability. The proposed constitutional amendment is being viewed as yet another shield for Ortega and Murillo’s power—suggesting they intend to reign unopposed for as long as possible. Nicaragua's future under this regime seems increasingly uncertain, yet what’s clear is the unyielding desire of its leaders to remain firmly entrenched at the helm.
