Daniel Ortega has now said openly what his regime has demonstrated for years: the people of Nicaragua are not to be permitted to remove their rulers through elections. During celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, Ortega declared that there would be “no more elections” through which opposition parties could attempt to take power. He also promised a legislative “wall” against persons his government labels coup plotters and traitors.

Ortega has overseen a sweeping crackdown on civil society in Nicaragua and concentrated power in his own hands.

This shows a growing brazenness among authoritarian regimes and a declining concern for international legitimacy.