This handout picture released by Nicaragua’s government via the official El 19 Digital news outlet shows Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega waving during an event to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Nicaraguan Revolution in Managua, on July 19, 2026. (Photo by Cesar PEREZ / El 19 DIGITAL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / EL 19 DIGITAL / Cesar PEREZ ” – HANDOUT – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega ruled out on Sunday any possibility of elections to prevent the opposition from taking office, after almost two decades in power.
A firebrand Marxist in his youth and leader of a revolution against a US-backed autocrat, 80-year-old Ortega has been in power since 2007 following elections questioned by the international community.
He is widely accused of acting harshly to crush dissent and remain in power in the poor Central American country.
“They better forget it, here in Nicaragua there will be no more elections so they can try to grab the government and seize power,” Ortega said, referring to his opponents, during an event marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution in the country’s capital Managua.
