The Australian Government is deeply concerned about President Ortega’s statement that Nicaragua would no longer hold elections, an escalation of the continued dismantling of democratic principles and institutions in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan people must be allowed to choose their government freely and fairly.

Australia also remains deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua and calls on the Nicaraguan government to uphold their international human rights obligations, restore democratic guarantees, and create the conditions for meaningful political participation, peaceful dissent, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.