In order to run for reelection in 2011, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega was going to have to reform the constitution by getting a vote approved by the national assembly, where he lacks a majority, and then passed by a majority in the national referendum, which polls show probably would not happen. That looked like a tough if not impossible path.So Ortega found an easier path. Along with allied mayors, the president took his case to the constitutional branch of the Supreme Court. There, six pro-Ortega judges ruled that Article 147 of the Constitution, which was reformed in 1995 to prohibit reelection, was "not applicable," violated other rights within the constitution, and that all offices had the right to run for reelection. The judge speaking about the case specifically cited reelection rulings in favor of Oscar Arias and Alvaro Uribe in Costa Rica and Colombia in making his decision. The decision, if approved by another court, will allow Ortega to run in 2011.
I'm still looking into the details (meaning they're not 100% verified), but a number of the events will be called into question. Among the more obscure maneuverings to make this happen, the head of the constitutional branch called the case at 1PM for 3PM. When four Liberal (anti-Ortega) judges were not present for the vote two hours later, several pro-Ortega judges were allowed to rule in their place, leading to the 6-0 vote. It also appears (though I'm still trying to clarify this issue) they took advantage of the timing of a recent death of an anti-Ortega judge on the main court, giving the FSLN a temporary 8-7 advantage on the 16 member court which will help get the approval through the next step of the case.
While everyone knew Ortega was aiming to run for reelection, few expected yesterday's ruling. All told, it was a slick move by Ortega to get around the Congress and his own unpopularity to get his way.
