Nicaragua shows what happens when even dictators fear a rigged election.

In the 2024 election, Daniel Ortega and his administration faced widespread allegations of vote manipulation, with opposition groups and independent observers reporting irregularities in polling stations and ballot counts. The government’s claim that the results were legitimate was met with skepticism both domestically and internationally.

The backlash included mass protests in the capital, Managua, and the imposition of sanctions by the US and the European Union aimed at curbing corruption and restoring democratic norms. Despite the political pressure, the regime continued to hold court sessions to silence dissent, raising concerns about the rule of law.

International bodies, such as the Organization of American States, called for a comprehensive audit of the electoral process, while civil society organizations urged the government to engage in dialogue. The situation underscores how even entrenched autocrats can be unsettled when electoral integrity is compromised and external scrutiny intensifies.