Ortega Declares 'No More Elections' in Nicaragua
Is Nicaragua protecting its revolution from foreign interference or cementing a family dictatorship?
Above: Daniel Ortega at the 40th Anniversary of the takeover of the National Palace on Aug. 22, 2018. Image credit: Inti Ocon/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This is the final step in cementing a family-run dictatorship in Nicaragua. The Ortega-Murillo regime has already jailed and exiled top opposition figures, extended its own presidential term and now plans laws to permanently bar any political rivals from participating. They are so afraid of their own people that they have to abolish elections to survive.
Establishment-critical narrative
The government is defending sovereignty against decades of foreign-backed destabilization. The U.S.-funded coup attempt in 2018 left blood in the streets, and new laws are simply a firewall against repeat interference. Protecting the revolution's gains demands shutting the door on parties that serve foreign powers.
