What’s new? Three years after the government responded to massive protests with a lethal crackdown, killing hundreds and displacing thousands, Nicaragua approaches its November presidential and legislative elections in a climate of extreme polarisation. State persecution of the fragmented opposition and fears of a skewed election persist amid a prolonged economic slump.
Why does it matter? Although protests have waned since 2019, the grievances underlying the uprising remain unaddressed. Disquiet has grown over President Daniel Ortega’s remoteness and increasingly authoritarian rule. A fraught election could further isolate the government internationally and rekindle domestic unrest.
What should be done? The government should reverse reforms that tilt the playing field and agree with the opposition on measures to ensure a fair poll, while committing to political coexistence after the elections. Foreign powers should push Ortega to run a clean vote and encourage dialogue a
13 mayo, 2021
On Wednesday, May 12, the Citizens for Liberty Party (CxL) went ahead and registered their limited electoral alliance. They will present their candidates in conjunction with the
Movimiento Unidad Costena [Coastal Unity Movement]. Negotiations with the Democratic Restoration Party (PRD), part of the National Coalition, failed to produce a united front.
Kitty Monterrey, the party’s legal representative, registered the CxL Alliance with the Supreme Electoral Council. Their inscription was seen as marking the end of a possible broad electoral alliance between the two large opposition blocs. However, CxL continued insisting that some kind of political agreement for unity could still be achieved in the upcoming weeks.
Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega is seeking a fourth consecutive term in November and he's pulling all the levers at his disposal to ensure his Sandinista National Liberation Front retains power
Nicaragua ruling party ups advantages in run-up to elections
FILE - In this July 13, 2018 file photo, Nicaraguan police have their picture taken with President Daniel Ortega, after weeks of unrest in Masaya, Nicaragua. President Ortega is seeking a fourth consecutive term in November 2021, and he s pulling all the levers at his disposal to ensure his Sandinista National Liberation Front retains power. (AP Photo/Cristobal Venegas, File) May 12, 2021 - 3:00 PM
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) â As Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega seeks a fourth consecutive term in November, he is pulling all the levers at his disposal to ensure his Sandinista National Liberation Front retains power, and on Wednesday the country s divided opposition appeared to confirm that it will remain so.