Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has declared that his country will no longer hold elections, signalling a further consolidation of power after nearly two decades under his leadership.

Ortega made the announcement during an event commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution. He said his government would prevent opposition groups he accuses of serving foreign interests from returning to power through elections.

The declaration effectively cancels elections that had been expected in November 2027. Nicaragua’s government-controlled legislature previously extended the presidential term from five to six years and approved constitutional changes strengthening the authority of Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who was elevated to the position of co-president.

Ortega did not explain the legal process through which future elections would be eliminated. However, his government controls the legislature, courts, electoral institutions and security services.

The former Sandinista revolutionary returned to the presidency in 2007. Since then, his administration has imprisoned opposition figures, stripped critics of their citizenship and closed independent media outlets, universities and civil society organisations.

Opposition leaders and human rights groups said the announcement removes any remaining appearance of democratic competition and formally transforms Nicaragua into a one-party system.

The government has faced international sanctions over political repression, particularly following the violent suppression of nationwide demonstrations in 2018.