NicaNotes

July 30, 2026

Meddling through mistranslation: U.S. interferes in Nicaragua’s elections

By Becca Renk Foster

(Becca Renk Foster is originally from Idaho, USA. For 25 years, she has lived and worked in sustainable community development in Nicaragua. She coordinates the work of Casa Benjamin Linder in Managua and is part of the Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition. This article was first published in Kawsachun News on July 23, 2026)

Using deliberate distortion of a speech by co-president Daniel Ortega, the U.S. has kicked off a campaign to meddle in Nicaragua’s elections by erroneously announcing that Nicaragua will no longer hold elections.

On July 19th, in a speech to 70,000 gathered in Managua’s Plaza de Fe to mark the 47th anniversary of the triumph of the Sandinista Popular Revolution, Nicaraguan co-president Daniel Ortega made reference to U.S.-backed opposition groups.

“They wish that they could have elections so that they could make money off of schools,” he said, recalling that during previous administrations, government officials charged for ostensibly free public services.

“But they can forget that. There will no longer be elections here, there will no longer be elections here for them to capture the government and trap the people,” he continued. “And we are going to work with the National Assembly and the corresponding agencies on laws to build a wall against the coup mongers so that no matter how much money the Yankees give them, they will not succeed. They will not succeed!” (This translation by Jill Clark-Gollub)

The next morning, The New York Times chose to run the headline, “Nicaraguan Leader Says He Plans to Abolish Elections.” A version of this inaccurate headline was repeated around the world in an orchestrated manner, unusual for a country that rarely makes international news.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pounced on the topic, releasing a statement:

“Daniel Ortega’s declaration that under his family’s dictatorship Nicaragua will never again hold elections lays bare their true authoritarian nature…. The United States calls on the international community to join forces to demonstrate to the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship that it cannot expect to maintain business as usual with other nations when it is thwarting the basic tenets of our democratic hemisphere.”

As expected, this statement triggered public denunciations aimed at isolating Nicaragua from countries around the region that participate in the U.S. imperialist initiative “Shield of the Americas.”

Deliberate Distortion

Jill Clark-Gollub, who holds a master’s degree in translation and interpretation and is certified to interpret in the U.S. federal courts, is puzzled by the mistranslation of Ortega’s remarks published in The New York Times and repeated elsewhere.

“This is a speaker who takes pauses and uses repetition as an oratory style,” she says. “To cut him off before he finishes the sentence, as if he were saying that there would never be any elections again, seems to me a deliberate distortion of his message. If an interpreter did this in a professional context, they would be subject to disciplinary action.”

This purposeful misinterpretation of Ortega’s meaning seems to have kickstarted the very campaign of meddling in Nicaragua’s internal affairs that Ortega was warning about in his speech. Following the media onslaught, Nicaragua’s U.S.-backed opposition apparatus appears poised to press its perceived advantage. According to Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue, it has escalated from condemnations to suggesting a color revolution with speculations of “a possible social protest where (the US) can leverage its pressure.”

A Season of Electoral Interference

This rapid intensification comes at a time of forceful U.S. pressure on Latin America. Even without mentioning the recent kidnapping of Venezuela’s president or the current stranglehold on Cuba – both of which Ortega did, in fact, mention and condemn in his speech – over the past year the U.S. has interfered in elections across the region.

In Argentina, Bolivia, Honduras, Peru and Colombia, the U.S. has explicitly tied its economic support to right wing candidates, hosted preferred candidates at the White House and imposed sanctions on left-wing parties. U.S. lawmakers also mobilized conservative Colombian ex-pats, resulting in overseas votes that proved crucial in the final count.

Intervention in the Honduran elections last November has revealed a larger plot to destabilize the region: Trump pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, a convicted narcotrafficker, just two days before the election. Since then, a trove of leaked audio recordings dubbed “Hondurasgate,” has revealed that Hernández is in league with Republican party officials and actively producing propaganda against progressive governments across Latin America.

A Precedent for Meddling in Nicaragua

Ortega’s remarks on election meddling were the conclusion to a speech detailing 200 years of unrelenting U.S. interference in Nicaragua. In his trademark style, Ortega’s discourse began with a history lesson including resistance to U.S. mercenary William Walker’s invasion in the 1850s, Augusto Sandino’s fight against the U.S. Marines in the 1920s, his assassination by orders from the U.S. Ambassador, and the installation of Anastasio Somoza’s U.S.-backed military dictatorship.

Blatant U.S. meddling in Nicaragua’s elections and internal affairs didn’t end when the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) overthrew Somoza in 1979. Following the triumph of the Revolution, the U.S. organized and funded the “contra” counter revolutionary forces, resulting in 50,000 dead over 10 years; the U.S. forced Nicaraguans to choose between continued war and the U.S. candidate in 1990 elections; and ran the country de facto during 16 years of neoliberal governments.

Despite continued U.S. interventionism, the FSLN won elections in 2006 and has stayed in power since, winning three subsequent elections and garnering 76% of the vote in 2021. In fact, any legitimate opposition to the Sandinista party will have to present an exceptionally strong platform to compete with ruling party achievements over the past 19 years which include 50 new hospitals and free universal healthcare, free education including university, 5,000 kilometers of new roads, and 4-5% annual GDP growth. Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in the region. Given the quality of life for the average Nicaraguan today, it’s no wonder that recent polls show Ortega enjoying an 88.5% approval rating.

Never, never, never!

During his address on July 19th, Ortega remembered the violent coup attempt in 2018 when armed opposition groups paralyzed the country with violent roadblocks and some 270 people were killed. Investigations have shown that the U.S. government funded the violence.

Since then, Nicaragua has worked to ensure that those responsible for the violence cannot continue to undermine the country’s hard-won peace. In his speech, Ortega warned Nicaraguans that threats to the country’s security remain.

“Just because we’re not at war, don’t think we are at peace. No! They [U.S.-backed opposition] are continuously conspiring, trying to organize political parties, so that they can put up candidates and ensure those parties win the elections,” he said.

“Here is where we put an end to the idea that those parties put in power by the Yankees, put in power by Somoza supporters, will ever return to government: never, never, never!”

“Elections, yes”

Despite international hype over Ortega’s mistranslated remarks, Nicaragua is moving forward with the co-president’s proposal.

“We the people of Nicaragua will decide when and how our elections will be held,” Dr. Gustavo Porras, president of Nicaragua’s National Assembly, told reporters. He confirmed that lawmakers are already working to ensure they “leave no loophole through which the terrible manipulation of the empires and their lackeys can seep in.”

Co-President Rosario Murillo also clarified that Nicaragua will hold elections.

“Elections, yes, but our own elections,” she told reporters. “And when we say ‘our own,’ we mean elections by our blessed people—designed and organized on the basis of our national sovereignty and our national dignity—to elect the best Nicaraguans.”

Briefs

By Nan McCurdy

Be sure to read the fascinating Brief on new discoveries about Nicaragua’s avocados! It’s the last story in the Briefs!

Proposal to Hold Elections Every Seven Years

The new proposal for partial amendments to the Constitution—which will be reviewed by the Special Commission and subsequently approved by the National Assembly—calls for holding elections every seven years in order to ensure the stability, effectiveness, and continuity of the National Plan for Human Development and Poverty Eradication. In the explanatory memorandum of the bill introduced by National Assembly President Dr. Gustavo Porras, the priority is safeguarding national security, peace, and sovereignty in order to continue the fight against poverty and unemployment in an international context marked by geopolitical instability and armed conflicts. The document reaffirms the values of faith, family, and community within a revolutionary, Christian, socialist, and solidarity-based model of government.

The plenary session of the National Assembly unanimously approved, with 91 votes in favor, the establishment and composition of the Special Constitutional Commission which will be composed of 12 deputies: Dr. Gustavo Eduardo Porras, who will serve as chair; Arling Alonso; Amada Pineda; María Haydee Ozuna; Loria Dixon; Wilfredo Navarro: Alejandro Mejía; Edwin Castro; Lester Flores; Mario José Ascencio; María Auxiliadora Martínez; and Wálmaro Gutiérrez. Dr. Porras emphasized that the reform proposal has the support of 100% of the regular deputies, comfortably exceeding the legal requirement of two-thirds (60% of the votes). The initiative, submitted in accordance with the guidance of the Office of the President (pursuant to Articles 15 and 137 of the Constitution), justifies the need to reorganize the state in light of international tensions and global economic challenges. Following the reading of the preamble, which condemned economic sanctions, international organized crime, and external interference that undermines the development of the world’s peoples, the bill was officially referred to the Special Constitutional Commission. The Commission will conduct the necessary consultations and draft a report, which will then be returned to the plenary session for discussion and final approval. (La Primerisima, 28 July 2026)

Consultation Process Begins on Partial Constitutional Reform

Co-President of the Republic Rosario Murillo announced that the consultation process for the Bill on Partial Reform of the Constitution began on July 27. She noted a first meeting of the Special Commission has taken place with the diplomatic community living and working in Nicaragua, which, she said, included those diplomats who treat the Nicaraguan people with respect. She explained that the process now beginning includes all sectors, adding that it will take one month as it is scheduled to conclude at the end of August. The results will be announced during the first week of September.

She indicated that Special Commission members will next meet with officials from the Supreme Court of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, the Nicaraguan Army, the National Police, as well as representatives from the financial, banking, commercial, business, and manufacturing sectors; investors; religious groups; municipal governments; government employees; entrepreneurs; transport operators; merchants; media professionals; journalists; students; and universities, among others. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/2026/07/27/inicia-proceso-de-consulta-de-reforma-parcial-a-la-constitucion/ (La Primerisima, 27 July 2026)

Nicaragua: Food Sovereign in the Majority of Products

Jeovany Álvarez, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, said that Nicaragua continues to guarantee the food and nutritional security of its population, thanks to the policies supporting producers that the Sandinista government has promoted over the past 19 years. “The agricultural sector continues to be one of the fundamental pillars of the national economy due to its importance for both production and food and nutritional security,” he noted.  The official pointed out that agriculture accounts for 14% of the Gross Domestic Product, generates around 29% of national employment, and contributes approximately 30% of the country’s total exports. Furthermore, 44% of the Nicaraguan population live in rural areas, making this sector a dynamic driver of employment and development.  “Thank God we are a producing country, which allows us to meet our domestic consumption needs and, in addition, to supply our international markets and much of the region,” he stated. Álvarez said that, during these 19 years of Sandinista government, the agribusiness sector has grown by 83%, while the agricultural sector in total has grown by 75%.

Nicaragua has achieved food self-sufficiency in most strategic crops, including corn, beans, coffee, sugarcane, and fine-aroma cacao—the latter of which is highly competitive in international markets. Only for a few products, such as rice and, temporarily, onions, does the country rely on imports, especially during the rainy season. (Informe Pastran, 27 July 2026)

Teacher Training Colleges Will Graduate Teachers with Bachelor’s Degrees

In an interview with INFORME PASTRÁN, Education Minister Mendy Arauz highlighted unprecedented progress in professional teacher training as the second semester of the 2026 school year begins. For the first time in the history of teacher training in Nicaragua, the Higher Education Teacher Training Colleges will graduate all teachers with bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education. “This is a historic leap we are taking—a historic leap for our country and for the history of education,” she stated emphasizing that there is no comparable initiative in the region and that teachers are already completing their teaching practicums in schools, which will strengthen the quality of education. Nicaragua has been making great efforts to professionalize the teaching profession, moving from teachers trained only at the high school level to university trained teachers. (Informe Pastran, 23 July 2026)

Mega Urology Fair Treats More Than 900 People from the South Caribbean

A historic health initiative took place in the Southern Caribbean with a coordinated effort where more than 900 patients were treated at the General Surgery and Urology Mega Fair held at the Ernesto Sequeira and Ethel Kandler Hospitals in Bluefields and on Corn Island. ​Forty-three specialists worked together to provide care to patients with prostate conditions, hernias, gallbladder issues, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections, restoring peace of mind to hundreds of households. In addition to specialized consultations, patients were able to access advanced diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds, endoscopies, gastroscopies, colonoscopies, and biopsies without having to travel to other regions, significantly reducing wait times for key diagnoses. See photos: https://radiolaprimerisima.com/2026/07/26/atienden-a-mas-de-900-del-caribe-sur-en-mega-feria-de-urologia/ (La Primerisima, 26 July 2026)

“The World Is Moving Toward a Multipolar Model Without Western Hegemonies”

The global geopolitical landscape is undergoing a historic transition toward a multipolar model, a process in which the alliance between Nicaragua and the Russian Federation is consolidating as a fundamental strategic axis, Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke stated on July 24. In remarks to the Sputnik news agency, Nicaragua’s foreign minister emphasized that bilateral ties with Russia have become a top priority under the leadership of Co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. “We characterize our relationship with the Russian Federation as a strategic partnership. That is very important. Our collaboration and closeness on the international stage are very strong,” Jaentschke asserted, describing the Eurasian nation as a key partner during this time of global redefinition.

He stated that the institutional framework inherited from World War II is showing signs of exhaustion in the face of 21st-century realities. In this regard, he advocated for the urgent need to dismantle the unilateral hegemonic structures historically imposed by Western powers and make way for an international ecosystem where equity prevails.

Jaentschke stated that a new order must genuinely represent the billions of people in developing nations. It is imperative to leave behind the vestiges of the colonial model and ensure respect for the sovereignty of peoples. He said that the coexistence of diverse political, social, and development systems must be recognized without external impositions. “We do not accept that unilateral hegemony… [the new order] recognizes that there are different forces, different countries, and different models in the world that must be acknowledged,” he emphasized. (La Primerisima, 24 July 2026

Genetic Evidence of Ancient Migrations in Avocado DNA

A team of scientists led by researchers from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and Texas A&M University have discovered genetic evidence of ancient migrations in the DNA of avocados growing in Nicaragua. The finding, published in the journal Plants, People, Planet, confirms that about 5,000 years ago, people migrating from South America brought avocado seeds with them, which hybridized with native Central American varieties. The researchers analyzed the DNA in leaves from 47 local landrace avocado varieties collected in southern Mexico, Nicaragua, and the coast of Honduras. Of these, 32 come from Nicaragua.

By comparing them with genetic data from more than 200 previously published avocado lineages, they determined that the varieties from the Nicaraguan lowlands are genetically linked to southern populations—including the coast of Colombia—and not to the highland varieties of Mexico or to commercial avocados.  “There is a much greater range of avocado diversity than science had previously documented,” said archaeobotanist Kevin Wann, who led the research during a fellowship at the Smithsonian. “We could harness this genetic diversity to conserve commercial avocado plants, which are vulnerable to disease,” he noted.

Unlike Hass avocados—which account for more than 80% of global production and are grown almost exclusively through cloning—the local varieties in Nicaragua and Honduras are genetically diverse. Nicaraguan farmers interviewed by the team confirmed that these landraces have not been affected by root rot, the most common disease affecting commercial crops. Some growers even graft branches from commercial varieties onto native trees, which are better adapted to the local climate.

Logan Kistler, curator of archaeobotany and archaeogenomics at the Smithsonian and senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of traditional agricultural practices: “You can’t think about biodiversity without considering agriculture, because it’s one of the most impactful ecological activities we engage in. Traditional agricultural practices have shaped these plants over thousands of years.” The results suggest that these varieties were introduced around 5,000 years ago, at the same time that other South American crops such as cacao and certain varieties of maize—appeared in the Central American archaeological record. According to Kistler, the exchange of plants was constant over thousands of years in a highly connected landscape between Central and South America. The study identifies Nicaragua as an important reservoir of avocado genetic diversity, with the potential to strengthen the resilience of one of the world’s most valuable crops. (Informe Pastran, 24 July 2026)