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 President Daniel Ortega on Wednesday proposed a constitutional reform that would officially make him and his wife, current Vice President Rosario Murillo, “copresidents” of the Central American nation.

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,