Summary

Nicaragua’s legislature has amended the constitution to give President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, “absolute power,” officially naming her “co-president” and consolidating control over all state branches.

The reform extends presidential terms from five to six years and tightens control over media, the Church, and political opponents.

Critics, including the UN, warn this dismantles democracy and entrenches dictatorship.

The government has already jailed dissidents, exiled critics, and revoked citizenship from opponents, sparking global condemnation.