OAS convenes urgent meeting over Ortega's threat to cancel Nicaragua elections; Mexico abstains

The Organization of American States (OAS) is convening an urgent meeting of its foreign ministers to address Nicaragua's escalating political crisis, prompted by President Daniel Ortega's recent threat to cancel the country's elections. The resolution, backed by 26 member states with Mexico abstaining and Brazil voting against, signals a high level of diplomatic consultation within the regional body.

U.S. Undersecretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak, pressed the OAS to move beyond mere pronouncements. "OAS member states have an obligation to address issues that are of common interest to the Americas, and we must not be idle simply condemning actions. We have a mechanism under the charter, and we must use it," Kozak stated, advocating for tangible measures.

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The OAS member states have an obligation to address issues that are of common interest to the Americas, and we must not be idle simply condemning actions. We have a mechanism under the charter, and we must use it.

Mexico's ambassador to the OAS, Alejandro Encinas, reiterated Mexico's commitment to democracy and human rights in Nicaragua. He proposed prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions, stressing respect for national sovereignty and self-determination. This stance contrasts with the U.S. call for more assertive action.

The OAS resolution follows previous condemnations of actions by Ortega's government, which members have identified as contributing to a democratic decline and an "emergency situation." Nicaragua officially withdrew from the OAS in 2023 after the organization criticized the 2021 presidential elections, which were held with key opposition candidates imprisoned and were deemed neither free, fair, nor transparent by the OAS General Assembly. Ortega, in power since 2007, has consolidated control with his wife, Rosario Murillo, as vice president, and has recently suggested that elections might not occur as scheduled.

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Mexico reaffirms its commitment to the respect for democracy and human rights in Nicaragua. We propose to prioritize dialogue, build bridges, and seek peaceful solutions, with full respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of peoples.