Signal Nicaragua Passes Reform Barring Opposition From Elections

Summary

Nicaragua's National Assembly, presided over by Gustavo Porras, passed a constitutional reform amending 12 articles by a show of hands with no recorded opposition. The reform permanently bars from public office anyone designated a traitor to the homeland, including those who sought foreign sanctions or military intervention. It extends the terms of the president, legislators and mayors from six to seven years, extends military and police leadership terms by the same span, and moves the presidential inauguration date from January 10 to January 18. The reform requires a second vote after January 18 of the following year to take effect. Eleven exiled opposition groups denounced it as a constitutional rupture, and the United States, Central American countries, the OAS, the EU and the UN issued statements of concern, with US Secretary of State Rubio calling for Nicaragua's isolation.