Press Releases

STATEMENT OF THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENTIAL DELEGATION TO THE REPUBLIC OF NICARAGUA TO OBSERVE THE PRESIDENTIAL AND LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS

November 5, 2006, 7:30 pm

Managua

Over the course of the day, this delegation has observed the high voter turnout and the commendable, patient commitment of the Nicaraguan people to the democratic process.   We have observed the voting at many JRVs and spoken at length with other observer missions and civil society representatives.  We have also taken note of the statements of other observation groups.
 We are receiving reports of some anomalies in the electoral process, including the late opening of JRVs, the slowness of the voting process, and the premature closing of some JRVs.
 We are therefore not in a position at this time to make an overall judgment on the fairness and transparency of the process, which still has several additional steps to follow.
 We would urge all involved to refrain from drawing conclusions until the process is complete.

Paul Trivelli, U.S.Ambassador to Nicaragua
Bennett Johnston, former U.S. Senator from Louisiana
William Paxon, former U.S. Congressman from New York

Members of the Delegation