Managua: Nicaragua's National Assembly has introduced a constitutional amendment that would extend the country's presidential term from five years to seven years while allowing the office to remain renewable. The proposal, which is expected to be approved by Parliament in September, has drawn concern from the international community over its potential impact on the country's democratic system.
The proposed amendment was formally presented before the National Assembly by parliamentary speaker Gustavo Porras. According to the government, the reform is aimed at ensuring greater political stability, long term planning and continuity in addressing the country's development priorities.
The text of the proposal states that a longer presidential term would provide "stability of vision, effective action and continuity" in responding to Nicaragua's urgent national needs. Government leaders argue that extending the term would allow administrations to better implement long term policies without the disruption of frequent elections.
Speaking before lawmakers, Porras said the government must organise its work according to the priorities and timetable set out in the National Plan for Human Development and Liberation from Poverty. He maintained that the constitutional change would help align the country's governance with its long term development strategy.
The proposal comes just days after President Daniel Ortega suggested that elections could eventually be eliminated, a statement that intensified concerns among critics and international observers. Ortega, who has led Nicaragua for many years, has faced repeated criticism from foreign governments and human rights organisations over restrictions on political opposition and civil liberties.
Co President Rosario Murillo, who is also Ortega's wife, announced that the National Assembly is expected to approve the constitutional amendment in September. The governing Sandinista National Liberation Front holds a strong majority in Parliament, making the proposal likely to pass.
The planned reform has prompted swift reactions from several international bodies and governments. The United States, the European Union, the United Nations and a number of Latin American countries expressed serious concern, describing the move as a significant setback for democracy and democratic institutions in Nicaragua.
Critics argue that extending the presidential term, particularly alongside recent comments about eliminating elections, could further weaken democratic checks and balances and reduce political competition in the country. They have called on the Nicaraguan government to uphold democratic principles, protect political freedoms and ensure that citizens retain the right to participate in free and fair elections.
The Nicaraguan government, however, insists that the reform is designed to strengthen governance and provide continuity for national development programmes. Officials say the proposed changes are intended to improve the state's ability to respond effectively to the country's economic and social challenges.
If approved in September as expected, the amendment would mark another major constitutional change in Nicaragua and is likely to attract continued international attention as concerns grow over the future of democratic governance in the Central American nation.