UN urges Nicaragua to allow all citizens to vote and run for office

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly criticized recent statements by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega that undermine the possibility of free and fair elections in the country. Türk urged Nicaraguan authorities to reopen civic space and restore the rule of law.

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All persons of any political tendency must be able to vote and run for public office.

In a speech commemorating the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution on July 19, President Ortega explicitly stated that his government would not allow electoral processes that could jeopardize the ruling party's grip on power. "Elections will not happen here again for them to try to capture the government, capture power through them," Ortega declared, effectively shutting down any prospect of democratic change.

Volker Türk lamented that the independent expression of ideas and opinions is being "systematically" repressed in Nicaragua. He also condemned other actions that "accentuate restrictions on fundamental freedoms," citing the recent revocation of lawyers' credentials without legal basis or official explanation. The High Commissioner noted that at least 46 people remain arbitrarily detained in Nicaragua for political reasons.

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Elections will not happen here again for them to try to capture the government, capture power through them.

Furthermore, Türk highlighted the growing repression targeting the Catholic Church and other religious denominations. He specifically mentioned the lack of information from authorities regarding the whereabouts of Bishop Abelardo Mata, 80, since his detention on June 29. These actions collectively contribute to a climate of fear and suppression of dissent within the Central American nation.

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accentuate restrictions on fundamental freedoms