Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega says Nicaragua will not hold any more elections, arguing that future votes would give opposition forces a chance to take control. In public remarks reported by multiple outlets, Ortega says that “there will never again be elections,” describing the decision as a way to prevent opposition from challenging his rule when his term ends next year. The statements come as Ortega, who has led Nicaragua for nearly two decades since 2007, remains closely associated with the governing structure alongside his wife, Rosario Murillo. Several reports describe Ortega’s intent to close off the electoral route for the exiled opposition to return to power, while others note he also discusses working with congress, which he controls, to change laws. ABC News and the Washington Times add that Ortega signals elections are not scheduled “anytime soon,” framing the move as an effort to extend his long tenure. The reports do not provide detailed measures for how the election prohibition would be implemented, but they consistently characterize Ortega’s remarks as entrenching his rule and removing electoral prospects for opponents.