Nicaragua's parliament is moving forward with plans to permanently abolish elections following President Daniel Ortega's weekend declaration that the country would cease holding them. The legislation would enshrine this policy into law, eliminating electoral competition as a mechanism for political change.

The initiative has drawn widespread international criticism, with observers viewing it as a significant consolidation of authoritarian control. The removal of elections eliminates the formal democratic process through which citizens could replace their government or hold leaders accountable at the ballot box.