Nicaraguan Congress Passes Ortega-Backed Reform Excluding Opposition From Elections

Nicaragua’s National Assembly has passed a constitutional reform that bans opposition parties from participating in elections and extends presidential terms from six to seven years. The measure, backed by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, also extends the terms of other elected officials and the heads of the army and police. The reform requires approval in a second legislative session before taking effect. Critics, including regional governments and the United States, condemned the move as another setback for democracy and political competition.