Nicaragua's National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, approved on 2026-09-01 a constitutional reform promoted by President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo that prohibits opposition parties from participating in electoral processes. ^[1] The approved reform establishes restrictions that prevent individuals designated by the State as participants in 'coup acts' or 'betrayal of the homeland' from participating in elections. ^[2] The National Assembly of Nicaragua approved on September 1, 2026, a constitutional amendment driven by President Daniel Ortega that extends the presidential term from six to seven years. ^[3] The amendment excludes individuals who participated in coup attempts, committed treason, or supported foreign military intervention from participating in the electoral process. ^[4] A group of pensioners closed the Avenida de los Mártires in Panama City on Monday to demand the approval of Law Project 491. ^[5] Law Project 491 proposes creating a fund to equalize pensions and retirement benefits that are currently below B/.600. ^[6] The Venezuelan National Assembly approved a binational energy agreement between Venezuela and the United States in a special session on September 1, 2026. ^[7] Daniel Ortega, president of Nicaragua, stated on 2026-07-19 that there would be no more elections in Nicaragua, arguing he sought to prevent the opposition from regaining power. ^[8] Rosario Murillo, co-president of Nicaragua, said on 2026-09-02 that the second ratification of the constitutional reform is scheduled to begin on 2027-01-18, as required by Nicaraguan law for constitutional changes. ^[9] The reform incorporates grounds to disqualify candidates who, in the judgment of authorities, have requested 'military intervention' or participated in what the Government qualifies as attempts at destabilization. ^[10] The vote was described by the presidency of the Parliament as unanimous, occurring in a context of strong concentration of power around President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. ^[11] Gustavo Porras, the president of the National Assembly, announced the approval of the constitutional amendment. ^[12]