Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega and his wife are set to assume absolute power after loyalist lawmakers Friday approved a constitutional amendment elevating her to the position of "co-president" and boosting the pair's joint control over the state.

Nicaragua's regime announced dozens of constitutional amendments yesterday that include extending President Daniel Ortega's term without elections. Why it matters: Observers say the changes could sound the death knell for the nation's democracy,

The proposals come amid an ongoing crackdown by the Ortega government since mass social protests in 2018 that the government violently repressed.

The Nicaraguan parliament, dominated by the ruling Sandinista Front, on Friday approved a constitutional reform that hands more power to President Daniel Ortega, his wife the vice president, as well as the Central American nation's police and military.

Vice-President Rosario Murillo has become the face of the government as her husband rarely makes public appearances.

The Nicaraguan parliament has approved a constitutional reform increasing President Daniel Ortega's power. The reform, requiring second approval in 2025, extends presidential terms, enhances media control,

The reform also seeks to increase the presidential term to six years from five and formally change the role of vice president, held by the 79-year-old Ortega's wife, Rosario Murillo, to that of "co-president.

President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, are poised to consolidate absolute control over Nicaragua following the National Assembly's approval of a constitutional amendment elevating Murillo to the role of "co-president.

The reform, which 79-year-old Ortega sent to Congress on Tuesday "as a matter of urgency" was approved unanimously by 91 Nicaraguan lawmakers. (Reporting by Gabriela Selser; Writing by Sarah Morland;