The constitutional reforms proposed by Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega to further consolidate power, expanding their control over other parts of the government, obtained final approval on Thursday after a unanimous vote.
The reforms were defended by government allies as a deepening of a almost 50 -year revolution, but attacked by critics as an increasingly dictatorial family dynasty.
“We have to advance step by step and make it clear that the Nicaraguan government is a revolutionary government, even if it will feel the feelings of some people,” said Congress President Gustavo Porras in January.
Reforms also expand the already extensive state control over the media and formally change the role of Vice President, occupied by Ortega’s wife, Rosario Murillo, to that of “co-president”, while extending the presidential term to six years . An earlier constitutional reform already allows unlimited presidential reelection.
According to the new scheme, any of the co-presidents can appoint an unlimited number of vice presidents, which generated speculation that one or more of Ortega and Murillo’s eight children who live in Nicaragua could be chosen; Several of them already have high -ranking positions in the government or help lead state media vehicles.
In case of death of Ortega, Murillo, 73, would automatically assume power without the need for new elections.
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Approved by Ortega Sandinista Front parliamentarians who control Congress, the reforms will come into force as soon as they are published in the Government Official Gazette.
