Nicaragua’s Electoral Climate
We have noted recent developments in Nicaragua that call into question the credibility of the municipal elections,
scheduled for November 9, as an expression of the will of the Nicaraguan people. These developments include the
decertification of two opposition parties and interference with non-governmental organizations that are working to
promote respect for human rights, rule of law, and economic development in Nicaragua.
We are also concerned that the Supreme Electoral Council has generally not processed requests by domestic and
international groups to observe the upcoming election in a timely manner, thereby preventing them from doing so.
The United States calls on the Government of Nicaragua to ensure that the campaign and the elections will be free of
intimidation, violence, and harassment of Nicaraguan voters wishing to exercise their right to vote. In light of Article
23 of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, we call on the Government of Nicaragua to create the conditions for free
and fair elections by allowing opposition parties, the press, and the people of Nicaragua to express their views freely
and peacefully, granting all political parties the right to participate in the elections, and inviting credible domestic
and international groups to observe the elections.
ENDS