Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega announced on Sunday that the country will no longer hold elections, a move aimed at preventing political opposition from gaining power. Speaking during the official ceremony marking the 47th anniversary of the 1979 Sandinista revolution, Ortega stated that he would collaborate with the congress, which is dominated by his supporters, to introduce new laws designed to create barriers against opposition forces.

Ortega, 80, who has maintained a stronghold on power for more than a decade, emphasized that this decision is intended to protect the nation’s stability. His declaration effectively signals the end of electoral democracy in Nicaragua, formalizing the consolidation of his authority and reducing the scope for political pluralism.

The president originally rose to prominence as a leader of the Sandinista movement that overthrew the Somoza dictatorship in 1979. However, critics argue that his current governance resembles an authoritarian regime. The move has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and analysts monitoring political developments in the region.

Tiziano Breda, a senior analyst with the NGO Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, described Ortega’s announcement as the culmination of Nicaragua’s shift into what he characterized as “a full-fledged family dictatorship,” underscoring concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions.

Ortega’s administration has faced increasing scrutiny over its suppression of dissent, including the arrest of opposition leaders and restrictions on independent media. The decision to halt future elections marks a significant escalation in efforts to eliminate electoral competition and consolidate power within the ruling Sandinista party.

International reactions have been mixed, with some governments expressing concern about democratic backsliding, while others reiterate calls for dialogue and political solutions involving various sectors of Nicaraguan society. The long-term implications of Ortega’s decision remain uncertain, but observers agree it represents a profound shift away from democratic norms in the country.