Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega has declared that the country will no longer hold elections, effectively eliminating any potential path for the opposition to challenge his government.

This announcement comes amid ongoing consolidation of power by Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who have controlled nearly every branch of the government, including the armed forces, police, and judiciary.

The decision follows years of political repression, including the 2021 disputed presidential election where opposition candidates were arrested, and sweeping constitutional reforms in 2025 that extended presidential terms and elevated Murillo to co-president.

International observers, including the United Nations, have condemned the Ortega regime for systematic human rights violations, with some allegations reaching the level of crimes against humanity.

The Trump administration has labeled the government a dictatorship and imposed sanctions, while the Biden administration previously criticized Ortega's 2021 election as illegitimate.

The move underscores Ortega's long-standing authoritarian control, which has persisted since his 2007 return to power, with critics noting his effective elimination of electoral competition in previous elections.

The decision to end elections marks a definitive step in entrenching his rule, raising concerns about democratic erosion and political repression in Nicaragua.