The Somoza family ruled Nicaragua for decades through an autocratic regime, backed by the U.S., before being toppled in 1979; current relevance centers on Nicaragua's drift toward authoritarianism under Ortega and the international response.
President Daniel Ortega has said Nicaragua will hold no further elections and has ordered congress to draw up laws to block opposition attempts to seize power. International human rights officials and the US have condemned the move. The National Assembly has begun preparing a work plan to implement Ortega's directive.
Nicaragua’s congress has announced a plan to implement measures that will extend Ortega’s grip on power by canceling upcoming elections. The decision follows a weekend vow to end electoral competition, triggering condemnation from the UN and the United States and raising concerns about human rights and civic space.