Nicaragua advances reform that would extend the presidential term to seven renewable years

Nicaragua's National Assembly approved, in a first round of voting, a constitutional reform that would extend the presidential term from five to seven years while allowing for re-election. The change must be ratified a second time in the next legislative session to take full effect.

Lawmakers backing the reform argue it would strengthen institutional stability by reducing the frequency of election cycles. Some opposition figures counter that the change would further entrench the current leadership's hold on power.

Regional observers note that similar term-extension proposals have surfaced in several Central American countries in recent years. Final approval of the reform is expected during the upcoming legislative session.