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.

Lawmakers in Nicaragua endorsed the constitutional reform which would expand presidential terms and promote Daniel Ortega's wife Rosario Murillo to a co-president.Nicaragua' s parliament on Friday gave their green light to a constitutional reform that hands more power to President Daniel Ortega and his already powerful wife.

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,