Nicaragua's Ortega proposes one-year extension of presidential term

Nicaragua’s National Assembly has approved a constitutional amendment that removes the remaining term‑limit restrictions on the presidency, clearing the way for 80‑year‑old President Daniel Ortega to seek re‑election beyond the end of his current mandate. The measure, passed with a majority vote, modifies the article that previously capped presidential terms, and it will be incorporated into the country’s supreme law after the required ratification process. The amendment follows a similar change enacted in 2014, which also eliminated term limits and allowed Ortega to extend his rule for the first time.

The latest revision has been met with criticism from opposition parties and several international human‑rights organizations, which argue that repeated constitutional alterations undermine democratic norms. Government officials maintain that the changes reflect the will of the Nicaraguan people and are necessary for political stability. The amendment now moves toward formal adoption, setting the stage for Ortega’s potential candidacy in the next presidential election.