What's happened
Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo are set to gain unprecedented control after lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment elevating Murillo to 'co-president' and extending presidential terms from five to six years. This move is seen as a further entrenchment of Ortega's authoritarian regime amid ongoing human rights abuses.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Ortega's government has been accused of creating a 'nepotistic dictatorship,' with Murillo's new title solidifying their joint control. Axios highlights that the amendments could sound the death knell for democracy, as they make the president the 'coordinator' of all branches of government. The South China Morning Post notes that the regime has already shut down over 5,000 NGOs since 2018, indicating a systematic approach to silencing dissent. AP News emphasizes the illegitimacy of the proposed reforms, calling them an 'aberrant form of institutionalization' of authoritarian rule.
How we got here
Since returning to power in 2007, Ortega has increasingly centralized authority, suppressing dissent and targeting opposition. The proposed amendments come after years of crackdowns following the 2018 protests, which resulted in significant casualties and the exile of many critics.
Common question
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What Does Murillo's New Role as 'Co-President' Mean for Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is witnessing a significant political shift as President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo consolidate their power through a controversial constitutional amendment. This change raises critical questions about the future of democracy and human rights in the country. Below, we explore the implications of this power grab and what it means for Nicaraguans and the international community.
More on these topics
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Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua, is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the northwest, the Caribbean to the east, Costa Rica to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
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José Daniel Ortega Saavedra is a Nicaraguan politician serving as President of Nicaragua since 2007; previously he was leader of Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, first as Coordinator of the Junta of National Reconstruction and then as President.
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Rosario María Murillo Zambrana is the vice president and first lady of Nicaragua. She is married to the current president Daniel Ortega.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.