Nicaragua sets September 21 vote on constitutional reform extending presidential terms
Nicaragua's National Assembly is scheduled to give first-stage approval on September 21 to constitutional reforms establishing renewable seven-year presidential terms and barring denationalised opponents classified as “traitors to the homeland” from elections. The changes would also postpone the next general election until 2028 and require a second legislative approval in 2027 before taking effect.
ASSESSMENT: The reform would further entrench the Ortega-Murillo leadership and narrow the already limited route for opposition participation in future elections. Its expected approval follows Daniel Ortega's declaration that Nicaragua would not return to competitive elections and comes amid renewed scrutiny from the OAS and US lawmakers.
Nicaragua completes judicial purge as Supreme Court president resigns
Nicaragua's National Assembly accepted the resignation of Supreme Court president Alba Luz Ramos on August 27, making her the ninth magistrate to leave amid a judicial purge underway since 2023. Ramos had already been sidelined for almost three years, while Ana Julia Guido has now been sworn in as her replacement.
ASSESSMENT: The leadership change consolidates Rosario Murillo's control over a judiciary already heavily subordinated to the executive and completes a broader replacement of senior judges and officials. The restructuring further weakens judicial independence and increases legal and institutional risk for businesses and political opponents relying on Nicaraguan courts.
Costa Rica judiciary challenges proposed ¢23.7bn budget cut
Costa Rica's government is seeking an additional ¢23.722bn reduction to the judiciary's 2026 budget, prompting the Supreme Court to authorise legal and administrative action against the measure. The OIJ investigative agency would absorb the largest cut, losing ¢9.536bn, while the judiciary had already agreed to a separate ¢13.242bn reduction earlier this year.
ASSESSMENT: The dispute intensifies tensions between President Laura Fernández's government and the judiciary while potentially reducing resources for organised-crime, corruption and money-laundering investigations. A prolonged confrontation over judicial funding would also raise concerns about institutional independence and the reliability of Costa Rica's traditionally strong rule-of-law framework.
Guatemala cabinet changes open pre-election reshuffle
Environment Minister Patricia Orantes returned to Congress on September 1, while Finance Minister Jonathan Menkos is being discussed as a possible candidate to lead the Banco de Guatemala. Analysts say the moves could be the start of a broader cabinet reshuffle as officials reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
ASSESSMENT: Further ministerial departures could complicate policy continuity as the Arévalo government prepares the 2027 budget, which will cover its final year in office. A move by Menkos would be particularly significant because it would create simultaneous changes at the Finance Ministry and potentially the central bank during a politically sensitive budget cycle.
Honduras Congress approves electricity reform with cross-party support
Honduras's Congress approved President Nasry Asfura's electricity-sector reforms with 78 of 128 votes, including support from part of the opposition Liberal Party. The legislation keeps state utility ENEE in public ownership while reforming tariffs, electricity procurement and regulation and providing for expansion and modernisation of the transmission network.
ASSESSMENT: The reform gives Asfura a major legislative victory and targets persistent financial and operational problems at ENEE, which the government says is losing around $1.9m per day. Implementation could also unlock European financing for transmission and other electricity infrastructure, potentially improving reliability and the investment environment.