Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand

07/31/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2026 17:39

Statement on democratic governance and human rights in Nicaragua

Ministry Statements & Speeches: 31 July 2026

The New Zealand Government is deeply concerned by recent statements regarding elections in Nicaragua, including President Ortega's comment that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections. This represents a worrying escalation of the continued dismantling of democratic principles and institutions in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan people must be allowed to choose their government freely and fairly through democratic elections.

New Zealand also remains deeply concerned by the continued deterioration of human rights in Nicaragua and calls on the Nicaraguan government to uphold their international human rights obligations, restore democratic guarantees, and create the conditions for meaningful political participation, peaceful dissent, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

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