Nicaragua abolishes vice president post, creates presidential designees

By Maryam Ashalem de Andres

ISTANBUL (AA) - Nicaragua's National Assembly approved a constitutional amendment Thursday abolishing the post of vice president and creating a “presidential designees” category, the La Prensa newspaper reported Thursday

It amends Article 126 to replace the vice presidency with presidential designees who will carry out duties assigned by the executive.

The move follows constitutional reforms adopted in 2025 that established a co-presidency for President Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.

Murillo was the last person to hold that position before becoming co-president alongside Ortega under the reforms.

The amendment does not specify how many presidential designees may be appointed or detail their responsibilities beyond functions assigned by the presidency.

The 2025 reforms reorganized Nicaragua's executive branch and expanded presidential authority over state institutions.

The National Assembly also approved a constitutional amendment in September extending the terms of the co-presidents and other elected officials from six to seven years.

The reform also restricted opposition participation in elections. It passed its first legislative vote and is scheduled for a second vote in January.

The changes are part of a broader restructuring of the political system under Ortega and Murillo, who jointly lead the executive branch.

Human rights groups and international observers have criticized the reforms, warning that they could concentrate power and undermine political pluralism and institutional independence.

The amendment leaves questions about how presidential designees will be appointed and what role they will play alongside Ortega and Murillo.

Mariam Ashalem De Andres