Nicaragua

Nicaragua's Constitutional Reform Passes First Reading

NOV 24 2024·Updated NOV 25 2024

Story

Above: Daniel Ortega during the 23rd States of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) Summit at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on April 24, 2024. Image credit: Gaby Oraa/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Facts

Nicaragua's National Assembly unanimously approved on Friday the first reading of a constitutional reform that would repeal 38 articles and change 135 others, including implementing the expansion of presidential powers.
EFE Noticias
Voz
Given that constitutional amendments in Nicaragua must be approved in two legislative periods, Gustavo Porras, the legislature's president, has announced that a second and final reading will take place on Jan. 10.
XINHUA
CNN
Last week, Pres. Daniel Ortega sent the proposed reforms to the National Assembly "as a matter of urgency." Under the amendments, the presidential term would be extended to six years, and the national executive power would have the ability to coordinate the other branches of government.
Al Jazeera
Axios
Other reforms include making the First Lady and Vice Pres. Rosario Murillo officially co-president of the country, defining Nicaragua as a revolutionary and socialist, and establishing the so-called voluntary police to assist the National Police.
France 24
Confidencial
Ortega first served as president from 1985 to 1990. Since he returned to power in 2007, he has faced sanctions over alleged human rights abuses. If these changes are approved in January, this will be the 12th time Ortega has reformed the constitution.
Confidencial
France 24

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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CRIT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

This is the most radical constitutional reform that Ortega has ever proposed during his authoritarian rule of Nicaragua. He's formalized a totalitarian system that has existed for six years, all while claiming that his government abides by the law of the land amid growing international isolation. Such shenanigans aren't new, and pressure on the Ortega regime to reverse these draconian decisions must continue.

Divergentes

Establishment-critical narrative

This reform, expected to enter into force next year after passing its second reading, represents a crucial — and historic — step forward for Nicaraguan citizens. These amendments will update the constitution to give the people prominence and power, consolidate their rights, and reaffirm the country's independence and sovereignty.

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