Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Nicaragua
Nicaragua operates as a presidential republic under Daniel Ortega, whose regime has consolidated authoritarian control over all branches of government. Recent constitutional reforms effective February 2025 established a co-presidency with his wife Rosario Murillo and extended presidential terms to six years, further centralizing executive power. The country faces international criticism for democratic backsliding, suppression of opposition, and deepening military ties with Russia.
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Presidential Republic
Legal System
Civil law system
Head of State
President José Daniel Ortega Saavedra(since 2007)
Head of Government
President José Daniel Ortega Saavedra(Sandinista National Liberation Front)since 2007
Political Indicators
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Authoritarian regime
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Left-wing
Voting Rights
Citizens aged 16 and above have universal suffrage. Members of the National Assembly are chosen through proportional representation, with two seats reserved for the former president and the runner-up in the most recent election.
Recent Developments
- Constitutional reforms approved November 22, 2024, establishing a co-presidency held by Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, effective February 18, 2025
- Presidential term extended from five to six years under 2025 constitutional reforms
- State power centralized under the presidency, which now coordinates the National Assembly, judiciary, electoral body, and public administration
- Judiciary restructured as a unitary system with the National Assembly electing 10 magistrates to the Supreme Court of Justice
- Intensified military cooperation with Russia, including establishment of a Russian-run police training center approved in March 2025
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