Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega has put forth a controversial proposal for constitutional reforms that would effectively establish him and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, as 'copresidents' of the country. The initiative, which includes extending the presidential term to six years and prohibiting the enforcement of foreign sanctions within Nicaraguan territory, is expected to pass through the country's legislature given Ortega's control over the government institutions.
The Organization of American States has strongly criticized the proposed reforms, denouncing them as an attempt to institutionalize a 'matrimonial dictatorship' and undermine democratic principles. The move comes amidst a broader crackdown by the Ortega government following the violent suppression of mass protests in 2018.
Since the protests, the Nicaraguan government has targeted dissenting voices, including political opponents, religious figures, and journalists, leading to arrests, exile, and the closure of thousands of organizations. Critics, such as the Nicaraguan University Alliance, have condemned the reforms as a further erosion of democracy and an escalation of repression.
Experts view Ortega's proposals as a strategic maneuver to secure power for his family in the long term, potentially risking financial repercussions from the U.S. Treasury Department. The timing of the reforms, just weeks before the inauguration of the new U.S. administration, is seen as an attempt to avoid provoking potential sanctions under President-elect Donald Trump.
Analysts warn that while the reforms may prolong Ortega's rule, they also pose a threat to democratic norms and could further isolate Nicaragua on the international stage. The situation remains fluid, with implications for the country's political future and relations with the United States.
For more updates on developments in Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
