Nicaragua Congress bans opposition from elections; Ortega consolidates authoritarian rule

Nicaragua's Congress, controlled by Daniel Ortega's party, has formally banned opposition candidates from participating in elections, marking the latest step in dismantling democratic processes Ortega helped establish decades ago. The move follows a pattern of escalating repression and institutional capture, effectively eliminating any electoral challenge. This consolidates Ortega's grip on power and signals further erosion of democratic norms in the region.