Nicaragua Bars Opposition Parties

The Nicaraguan National Assembly has voted to bar opposition parties from future elections, a move that has been denounced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the final collapse of Nicaragua's democratic pretences. The reform, which also extends the presidential term from six to seven years, still requires a second legislative vote before taking effect in January.

The second vote on the reform will begin on January 18. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, are the leaders of the country's ruling elite. Ortega had previously declared publicly that 'there won't be any more elections' in Nicaragua.

The reform will formally exclude from office any opposition figures deemed to have taken part in planning or carrying out a coup. Rubio has urged international partners to stop 'business as usual' with the Nicaraguan government, stating that dictatorships that deny the unalienable rights of their citizens should not enjoy the same economic or political benefits as governments committed to defending hemispheric peace and security.

## Why it matters The move by the Nicaraguan National Assembly has significant implications for the country's democratic future. By barring opposition parties from future elections, the ruling elite is consolidating its grip on power. The extension of presidential terms to seven years further entrenches the position of Ortega and his wife, Murillo. The international community's response to this development will be crucial in determining the future of Nicaragua's relations with other countries.

The US Secretary of State's call to stop 'business as usual' with the Nicaraguan government is a significant escalation of diplomatic pressure on the country. It remains to be seen how other nations will respond to this development and whether they will follow the US lead in reevaluating their relations with Nicaragua.