Dominican Republic recalls envoy from Nicaragua after Ortega’s controversial statements

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has recalled its ambassador to Nicaragua for consultations following recent statements by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega declaring that there would be “no more elections” in the country.

The decision, ordered by President Luis Abinader and announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), comes in response to remarks the Dominican government said contradict democratic principles and the commitments established under the Inter-American system.

In a statement, MIREX reaffirmed that “the peoples of the Americas have the right to democracy and their governments have the obligation to promote and defend it,” citing Article 1 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

The ministry also condemned Ortega’s comments in the strongest terms, arguing that they disregard the Nicaraguan people’s right to freely choose their leaders through periodic, free, fair, transparent, and competitive elections.

The Dominican government stressed that no administration has the authority to deprive citizens of their right to vote or unilaterally eliminate elections as a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power. It urged Nicaraguan authorities to reverse their position and guarantee political rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic elections.

The statement reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, describing them as shared obligations among the countries of the Americas.

Ortega made the controversial remarks during the July 19 celebration of the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, saying that Nicaragua would no longer hold elections that could allow the opposition to take power. A day later, National Assembly President Gustavo Porras said elections would continue under a new constitutional framework designed to prevent foreign interference and exclude what he described as “traitors to the homeland.”