Kathmandu— The Organization of American States (OAS) has approved a resolution to convene an emergency meeting of foreign ministers regarding Nicaragua, asserting that representative democracy “no longer exists” within the country. The vote, held on Wednesday with 29 in favor, one against, one abstention and two absent nations, was prompted by recent actions taken by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo to consolidate power and suppress opposition. The OAS is invoking provisions of its charter typically reserved for emergencies requiring a collective response as Nicaragua’s legislature prepares to vote on proposed constitutional changes in September.

Growing Concerns Over Democratic Erosion

The resolution cites developments in Nicaragua as “a problem of an urgent nature and of common interest to the American States.” Ortega, who previously led Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, returned to power in 2007 and has since been accused of systematically weakening democratic institutions and infringing on human rights. Recent constitutional reforms proposed by his government would extend presidential terms from six to seven years and disqualify opposition figures labeled as “traitors to the homeland” from participating in elections.

Crackdown on Dissent and Political Opposition

Critics point to a marked escalation of repression following student-led protests in 2018, which were met with deadly force by the government resulting in hundreds of deaths. Since then, Ortega’s administration has imprisoned critics, closed independent media outlets, dissolved non-profit organizations, and disbanded opposition parties. In a particularly stark move last year, over 200 political prisoners were deported from Nicaragua and subsequently stripped of their citizenship.

Nicaragua's Departure From the OAS

Despite the OAS’s concerns, Nicaragua is no longer a member of the organization, having announced its withdrawal in 2021 and completing the process in 2023. This occurred after previous criticisms from the OAS regarding the Ortega government’s actions. The United Nations has also voiced similar alarms, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk warning that blocking elections would further erode Nicaragua’s rule of law.

Ortega Defends Actions

Ortega has consistently defended his policies as necessary to counter external influences, particularly from the United States. He suggested in July that no future elections will be held for opposition members attempting “to seize the government.” His wife, Rosario Murillo, was elevated to co-president in 2025.

The OAS council president has been instructed to draft an agenda for the emergency meeting as soon as possible, signaling a heightened level of concern within the regional body over the situation in Nicaragua.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.