Nicaraguan President, Ortega postpones elections, accuses opponents of plotting with United States

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has ruled out holding elections before 2027, saying he will not allow opposition groups to take power through the ballot box.

Ortega made the statement on Sunday during an event marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution in the capital, Managua.

The 80-year-old leader has been in power since 2007. A former Marxist revolutionary who helped overthrow a US-backed dictatorship, Ortega has faced criticism from international observers and opposition groups over his continued grip on power.

Speaking to thousands of supporters, Ortega said opposition politicians should “forget” about taking power through elections in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua was originally expected to hold general elections in November. However, constitutional changes approved about 18 months ago extended the presidential term from five years to six years, moving the next election to 2027.

Opposition groups, many of whose members are living in exile, continue to hope that international pressure will push the government to restore a more open electoral process.

During his speech, Ortega accused his opponents of working with the United States and trying to organize political parties to challenge his government.

Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, have jointly dominated Nicaragua’s political system for nearly two decades. Critics accuse the government of suppressing dissent and limiting political freedoms.

The government has faced particular scrutiny since a violent crackdown on anti-government protests in 2018. According to the United Nations, more than 300 people were killed during the unrest.

Despite criticism from opposition groups and international organizations, Ortega remains firmly in control of the Central American nation.