Nicaragua’s Questioned Elections
Some Nicaraguans will go to the polls for the general elections on Sunday, November 6, to reelect Daniel Ortega, and his wife as the new VP, while others will stay home and protest the uncontested elections.
Nicaragua
OAS to “make an appearance” at the Nicaragua “electoral farce”
The government of Daniel Ortega has invited the Organization of American States (OAS) to “make an appearance” on the fifth, sixth and seventh of November when Nicaragua will observe elections in which independent electoral observation are prohibited and the opposition has been outlawed by the government.
Nicaragua: Twenty Years of Confidencial
The magazine “Confidencial” was born in July,1996, on the eve of a presidential election during those years of democratic transition that Sofía Montenegro termed: “Nicaragua’s springtime of free expression.” She was alluding to the unusual climate of State tolerance towards critical journalism that was established during the government of my mother, Violeta Barrios de Chamorro.
The Canal Concession Will Have a “Grave Impact” for Nicaragua
The International Human Rights Federation (FIDH) presented in Managua a study of the Inter-Oceanic Canal concession’s “grave impact” on the population on October 14. This mega-project seems to be dissipating as time passes, but for the human rights organization it’s now “a process of mega land-grabbing.”
What Election Campaign in Nicaragua?
On the highway to Masaya, some banners present the candidates from political parties that are competing for the presidency and for seats in the National Assembly. On some of the city’s streets, you can count (on your fingers) the posters of these same candidates, which are falling apart due to the heavy rains we had last week.
Nicaraguans Protest in Support of Migrants
Many Nicaraguans refuse to accept the Ortega government’s abuse of migrants trying to cross the country. “It’s unbelievable that a country of migrants would inflict so much harm on other migrants,” the demonstrators said.
Nicaragua: The Courage of a “Compassionate Teacher” who Helped Migrants
Nicaraguan teacher Nilamar Aleman was recently released after 46 days she spent in the Ocotal, Nueva Segovia jail, after being arrested on August 13. Her “crime” was to accompany Naomi and Francisca, a migrant mother and daughter who had been stranded in Costa Rica.
Nicaragua’s “Confidencial” News Publication Denounces Espionage
Carlos Fernando Chamorro, the director of Confidencial, denounced on Friday acts of intimidation and political espionage carried out by Nicaraguan Army officials and the Sandinista Front party. He lodged his complaint with the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH).
Nicaragua Has Lost 50% of its Forestland
Nicaragua’s forest reserves have contracted alarmingly over the last 25 years. “If the current rhythm of degradation continues, according to data that we’ve confirmed with other governmental agencies, within 10 – 15 years we’ll have no forestland left at all,” an expert told Confidencial.
Effort to Save Indigenous Land Rights in Nicaragua
The Nicaraguan Inter-Oceanic canal project poses a grave threat to the Rama Kriol indigenous peoples in the southeaster portion of the country. A group is working to try and help them defend their land and culture.