OAS calls on the Ortega regime to immediately release Nicaraguan presidential candidates

The Organization of American States (OAS) asked the Daniel Ortega regime in Nicaragua for the immediate release of the presidential candidates in the elections next November in Nicaragua and of the political prisoners.

With 26 votes in favor and seven abstentions, the OAS Permanent Council approved a resolution presented by Canada, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the United States, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

In the text, he expressed grave concern that Nicaragua has ignored the efforts of the OAS Permanent Council to commit itself to holding “free and fair” elections.

In addition, the Washington-based body took note with alarm of the deterioration of the situation of political and human rights in Nicaragua and the determination of its government to undermine the electoral process.

In this context, he vehemently urged the Nicaraguan Executive to put into practice without delay the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter and internationally recognized standards, including the agreed electoral reforms.

All this to hold free, fair and transparent elections as soon as possible, under observation by the OAS and other credible international organizations, says the resolution.

Likewise, the Permanent Council did not rule out adopting other actions if necessary, such as bringing the issue of the elections on November 7 in Nicaragua to the General Assembly of the OAS.

The Nicaraguan delegation did not participate in this Wednesday’s session of the Permanent Council, held virtually. In a letter read by a representative of Managua before the deliberations began, Nicaragua assured that it does not accept nor will it accept “acts that degrade their freedom.”

Nicaragua is experiencing a socio-political crisis that erupted in 2018, when there were massive protests against the country’s president, Daniel Ortega, in power since 2007 and who will seek a new reelection in the November general elections.

In the context of the crisis, 328 deaths were registered, at least 103,000 exiles and hundreds of opponents imprisoned, according to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (Acnudh).

Among the prisoners are seven aspiring candidates for the Presidency, opposition leaders and independent professionals.