EU Urges Nicaragua to Hold 'Transparent, Inclusive, and Credible' Elections

The European Union has called on Nicaragua to organize elections that meet international standards for transparency and inclusivity. This plea comes after President Daniel Ortega initiated a reform aimed at barring opposition figures from participating in the country's electoral process.

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We urge the authorities to call elections and ensure that they are held as initially planned and in a transparent, inclusive, and credible manner, in accordance with international standards.

Nicaragua's Congress, largely controlled by Ortega's supporters, announced plans to draft reforms for approval in August. Legislators stated the reforms would prevent "terrible manipulation by empires and their lackeys" in the elections, a veiled reference to the opposition. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, urged Nicaraguan authorities to ensure elections proceed as initially planned and adhere to global norms.

Kallas, speaking on behalf of the 27 EU member states, also condemned Ortega's "systemic repression" and advocated for dialogue between the government and the opposition regarding any electoral reforms. Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry responded sharply to the EU's statement, labeling it "interventionist, imperialist, and characteristic of a mentality and practices rooted in a colonial past." The ministry asserted, "We are not vassals of anyone."

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interventionist, imperialist, and characteristic of a mentality and practices rooted in a colonial past.

Nicaragua was scheduled to hold general elections next November. However, a constitutional reform enacted 18 months ago extended presidential terms from five to six years, pushing the next elections to November 2027. The government plans to brief foreign diplomats on the proposed reforms.

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We are not vassals of anyone.