elpais.com
Nicaragua: Ortega-Murillo Extend Presidential Term, Consolidate Power
Nicaragua's National Assembly approved extending Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo's presidential terms until 2028, granting them control over the judiciary, electoral council, and armed forces, and legitimizing paramilitary groups responsible for human rights abuses.
- What are the long-term implications of this constitutional reform for democratic institutions, human rights, and Nicaragua's international relations?
- This constitutional reform eliminates checks and balances, enabling Ortega and Murillo to control the judiciary, electoral council, and armed forces, effectively silencing dissent. The amendment legitimizes paramilitary groups responsible for human rights abuses, further consolidating their authoritarian rule and undermining democratic processes.
- What specific mechanisms in the amended constitution allow Ortega and Murillo to maintain control over the judiciary, electoral process, and security forces?
- The amendment grants Ortega and Murillo the power to appoint any number of vice presidents, bypassing popular vote. This constitutional change, described by critics as totalitarian, centralizes power and eliminates the separation of powers, reducing state institutions to organs coordinated by the presidency.
- How does the amended Nicaraguan constitution concentrate power in the hands of President Ortega and Vice President Murillo, and what are the immediate consequences?
- Nicaragua's National Assembly, controlled by the government, approved extending Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo's presidential terms until 2028, a year beyond the previous electoral calendar. This follows a constitutional amendment establishing a copresident and copresident formula, solidifying the couple's power.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening sentences immediately establish a negative tone by emphasizing the swift and unquestioned passage of the constitutional amendments. The article consistently uses loaded language and structures the narrative to highlight the negative consequences of the changes, portraying the regime as authoritarian and repressive. The inclusion of quotes from Reed Brody, described as a 'dictator hunter,' further reinforces this negative framing and emphasizes the criticism of the regime.
Language Bias
The article utilizes strong, negative terminology such as 'grotesque changes,' 'absolute power,' 'totalitarian,' and 'one-party state.' Terms like 'election a dedo' (handpicked election) are not translated, implying that the reader will understand the negative connotation. These words frame the events in a highly critical light and lack neutrality. More neutral alternatives could include 'significant constitutional reforms,' 'concentration of power,' or describing the political system without loaded adjectives. The description of paramilitary groups as responsible for 'a bloodbath' is emotionally charged language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the actions of the Ortega-Murillo regime and their supporters, but omits perspectives from those who support their policies or actions. Counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the constitutional changes are absent. The article doesn't mention the stated reasons for the constitutional changes from the perspective of the ruling party beyond a quote from the Assembly president which appears to be self-serving and doesn't address opposition viewpoints. This omission leads to a biased presentation, neglecting a significant portion of potential public opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a stark dichotomy between the Ortega-Murillo regime and its critics, failing to acknowledge any nuance or complexities within the Nicaraguan political landscape. The characterization of the situation as 'totalitarian' and a 'one-party state' oversimplifies the political dynamics at play and ignores the possibility of internal dissent or varying levels of support within the population.
Gender Bias
While both Ortega and Murillo are mentioned, the article's focus remains on Ortega's actions, and Murillo is portrayed as simply a partner in power. There is no analysis of potential gendered aspects of the power dynamics within the regime or the impact on women's rights in Nicaragua.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes the Nicaraguan government's actions to consolidate power, extending presidential terms, controlling the judiciary and electoral bodies, and suppressing dissent. These actions undermine democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights, directly contradicting the goals of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The suppression of dissent and human rights abuses are explicitly mentioned, aligning with the negative impact on this SDG.