The facts
The Assembly approved the September reform in its first legislature. The official text sets seven-year terms for elected offices; EL PAÍS reported that the next general election would move from 2026 to 2028. [1][2][4]
Reuters reported that the September reform bars opposition parties from elections and extends elected terms, but the measure has not completed the two legislative-session process required to take effect. Reuters said the second ratification was scheduled to begin on 18 January 2027. [3]
On 22 October, lawmakers separately approved an amendment in the first legislature that removes the vice presidency and introduces presidential designees. The National Assembly describes the new constitutional figure; EL PAÍS reports the amendment does not specify their number or responsibilities. [5][6]
The Assembly said in a 29 September update that consultation was continuing ahead of a second-legislature vote on the September reform. That update was published before the separate 22 October amendment. [7]
Still unconfirmed
- Whether either amendment will secure second-legislature approval, and when the presidential-designee amendment would be voted on, remain unresolved.
- The exact practical powers and number of presidential designees are not specified in the opened constitutional text and reporting.
Sources
References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 8 Nov 2026, 08:26 UTC.
The official Gazette text and Assembly releases establish the first-stage votes and constitutional provisions. Reuters and EL PAÍS separately report the election timetable, pending ratification and October executive-structure amendment. The September and October amendments are distinct measures, not one vote; neither is described as in force. Analysts’ explanations of political motive are not presented as established fact.
- National Assembly approves constitutional reform in first legislature
National Assembly of Nicaragua · Primary source · 1 Sept 2026
Official Assembly report of the 1 September first-legislature vote.
- La Gaceta, Diario Oficial No. 163, 2 September 2026
National Assembly of Nicaragua / Official Gazette · Primary source · 2 Sept 2026
Opened the gazette text: provisions set seven-year terms and a nationwide election framework; the constitutional change requires second-legislature approval before taking effect.
- Nicaraguan Congress passes Ortega-backed reform excluding opposition from elections
Reuters via Investing.com · Reporting · 1 Sept 2026
Reuters reports the first vote, exclusion rules, seven-year terms and January 2027 second-ratification schedule.
- Daniel Ortega suspends this year’s elections and extends his mandate until 2028
EL PAÍS · Reporting · 2 Sept 2026
Independent regional reporting on the election timetable and first-stage constitutional amendment; the second vote remains pending.
- Assembly approves presidential designees in first legislature
National Assembly of Nicaragua · Primary source · 22 Oct 2026
Official Assembly statement says the Article 126 amendment elevating presidential designees to constitutional status passed in the first legislature.
- Ortega and Murillo rewrite the Constitution amid an unresolved succession
EL PAÍS · Reporting · 22 Oct 2026
Opened independent reporting on the 22 October amendment; interpretation about succession is attributed to analysts, while the article separately describes the text and its undefined roles.
- Assembly reports consultation before second-legislature vote
National Assembly of Nicaragua · Primary source · 29 Sept 2026
Official status update says consultation was underway ahead of second-legislature consideration of the September reform; it predates the October amendment.