The Nicaraguan Elections

November 09, 2006

We congratulate the Nicaraguan people for conducting peaceful elections and demonstrating their commitment to democracy and the constitutional process. Preliminary official results show that Sandinista Front candidate Daniel Ortega is the winner.

We respect the decision of the Nicaraguan people and look to establish positive relations with Mr. Ortega and his new government. As we have said, we will work with those leaders based on their actions in support of Nicaragua’s democratic future and willingness to continue constructive relations with the United States.

The United States has already made clear its commitment to the Nicaraguan people. Through institutional linkages such as CAFTA, our Millennium Challenge Compact, significant debt relief, and numerous development assistance projects, the groundwork has been laid for increased economic prosperity and opportunity for the Nicaraguan people.

We applaud the crucial role that democratic civil society organizations have played in these elections, and we congratulate them and encourage their continued involvement in Nicaragua’s ongoing democratic transformation.

In addition, we note the electoral gains of newly emerging political forces in the country that reflect the preference of many Nicaraguans for a more transparent and democratic government.

Finally, we would like to stress the need for a full and transparent counting of all votes for representatives to the National Assembly and Central American Parliament and for the fair allocation of seats in those bodies among political parties in accordance with Nicaraguan law and international election standards.