Latest on Nicaraguan elections
NSCAG News |
on: Monday, 7 November 2016
A Nicaraguan polling station
With almost a quarter of the votes counted in Nicaragua's Presidential election, Daniel Ortega leads with 71%. He has promised to defend the social and economic achievements of the FSLN Government and to continue with Nicaragua's strong economic growth. The Nicaraguan trade unions have called the victory a triumph for workers around the world who are fighting for a better world.
Turnout is said to be around 65%.
A section of the opposition calling themselves the Broad Front for Democracy responded prior to the preliminary results, saying they would not recognize the legitimacy of the vote. While some Sandinista opponents and media have attempted to call the vote into question, Nicaragua officials and government supporters say this is a political ploy to undermine a government that has the support of the vast majority of the country. The elections featured more than 120 observers, including former presidents and heads of state and even a delegation of the Organization of American States. Invited election observer Santiago Rodríguez, vice president of the Central American Integration System, reported "very good coordination" of the voting process.
According to national police, there were no incidents to report concerning the opening of 14,581 polling stations across the country. Hours after polls opened, authorities reported that election day was running smoothly and without any delays and all reports indicate that they passed off peacefully and in good order.
'He (Ortega) is the only person who has worked for the poor, and he will keep doing it, because that is his essence. He comes from povety, and he'll keep working for the poor' - quote from 64-year-old retiree Jose Vicente Pong while casting his ballot in the capital city Managua Sunday morning.
Information sourced from Telesurtv.net (http://www.telesurtv.net/english/)
