Nicaragua opposition ban plan draws US OAS meeting call

The United States and allies urged the Organization of American States on Wednesday to call an extraordinary meeting before September to consider possible measures against Nicaragua over President Daniel Ortega's plan to bar opposition groups from elections.

Michael Kozak, a senior US State Department official overseeing Latin America, told OAS ambassadors that foreign ministers should examine diplomatic, institutional, economic and collective security options. He said the proposal did not authorize the use of armed force.

The proposal was supported by a large majority, but the ambassadors adjourned without a vote to continue negotiations.

Mexico's Ambassador Alejandro Encinas Rodriguez said the initiative “must be carefully weighed” and that efforts should continue to keep dialogue open with Managua. Brazil's representative also urged the organization to play a constructive role and prioritize channels for negotiation.

Nicaragua withdrew from the OAS in November 2023. Ortega, who has ruled Nicaragua for nearly 20 years, said last month that opposition groups would be banned from taking part in elections, calling them traitors serving foreign interests.

Nicaragua's legislature is scheduled to vote in September on the measure, which would also extend the presidential term to seven years.