Nicaragua’s Congress approved a constitutional reform backed by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo that halts opposition participation in elections and extends the presidential term from six to seven years.

The reform also extends terms for co-presidents, deputies, mayors, Supreme Court justices, electoral magistrates, attorney general, banking superintendent, and heads of the army and national police, effectively prolonging current officeholders’ tenures.

International reactions were swift and negative, with the United States, European Union, and the OAS condemning the move as democratic backsliding and calling for free elections and sanctions if needed.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged partners to end business as usual with Nicaragua and to address human rights violations, signaling a coordinated regional response.

The United States signaled forthcoming sanctions and a coordinated push at an OAS meeting of foreign ministers to press Nicaragua, potentially leveraging CAFTA-DR and trade ties.

Analysts say the reform reinforces Ortega-Murillo’s dynastic grip, positioning Rosario Murillo to guard the regime’s legacy and raising questions about succession and suppression of rivals within the Sandinista movement.

Independent opposition leaders are largely exiled or imprisoned, and many civilians have fled the country amid a broader crackdown since the 2018 protests.

The reform blocks participation by individuals involved in putschist acts, treason, or who solicit foreign military intervention from elections.

The 2018 crackdown on protests left hundreds dead and spurred mass exiles, drawing long-standing concerns about human rights in Nicaragua.

The crisis has regional security implications, with massive displacement and irregular migration as Nicaraguans seek asylum nearby, while state-backed repression is documented abroad.

The next test for regional action will be whether enough OAS members join the United States in moving from condemnation to concrete measures at the upcoming ministerial session.

Possible international responses include coordinating pressure at the OAS, expanding sanctions, leveraging trade and lending conditions, and supporting independent media and civil society for a post-Ortega transition.