Published on Tuesday, July 21, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday expressed its rejection of recent statements by Nicaraguan authorities suggesting the country could eliminate presidential elections.

In a statement, the ministry reiterated Costa Rica's deep concern over what it described as the systematic closure of civic space and the continued persecution of dissenting voices in Nicaragua.

"Costa Rica has always supported, and will continue to advocate for, free, democratic, transparent and pluralistic elections in the Republic of Nicaragua," the ministry said.

Costa Rica's response, which came as the country prepares to celebrate the 77th anniversary of its democracy on Nov. 7, followed comments made Sunday by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

According to the exiled Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa, Ortega declared an end to any possibility of democratic alternation of power, saying his government will not allow electoral processes that could threaten the ruling party's control.

"There will never again be elections here in Nicaragua for them (the opposition) to try to seize the government or take power," Ortega said during a public ceremony in Managua marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution.

La Prensa reported that Ortega also described opposition figures living in exile as "lying in wait" and accused them of seeking political office solely to enrich themselves.

"They should forget about it. There will never again be elections here for them to try to seize the government or take power," Ortega said.

He added that his administration would work with the National Assembly, which is aligned with the presidency, and other institutions to enact laws that would "build a wall, a barrier" against what he called "coup plotters" and "traitors."

He also said that, regardless of how much financial support "the Yankees" (a reference to the United States) provide them, "they will not succeed."

Costa Rican authorities noted that the government has not recognized Nicaragua's 2021 presidential election, in which Ortega won re-election, as a democratic process.

Ortega, a former guerrilla leader, has governed Nicaragua since 2007 amid repeated international allegations of electoral fraud.

Since 2017, he has governed alongside his wife, Rosario Murillo, who served as vice president before becoming co-president following a constitutional reform that took effect in February 2025.

The prospect of eliminating presidential elections raises broader questions about Nicaragua's democratic future, including how citizens could restore democratic governance without the support of either the military or the government.

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How could the Nicaraguans depose Daniel Ortega without the support of the army? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com