LI President speaks out regarding Nicaraguan elections
12.11.2008 
Lord Alderdice In response to last weekend’s local elections in Nicaragua, LI President Lord Alderdice has spoken out against the reportedly undemocratic and fraudulent results:“The Nicaraguan local elections were in direct violation of the fundamental principles of liberal democracy. They were a clear example of electoral fraud and we demand a full recount with genuinely independent international observers, for example from the OAS. The ensuing violence and violation of democracy is extremely serious for Nicaragua and for the whole region. Manipulating electoral results debases the principles of democracy are a step backward. Nicaragua’s can only move forward through genuine democracy. In conjunction with [LI cooperating organization] the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, we express our full support for former LI Vice President Eduardo Montealegre, the legitimately elected Mayor of Managua.”
LI Secretary General Emil Kirjas was in Nicaragua in September, witnessing the beginning of the election campaign, which from the first day was marred by unacceptable intimidation from government controlled electoral authorities. As a consequence of a decision by Nicaragua’s heavily politically influenced Supreme Electoral Court, Alianza Liberal Nicaragüense (ALN’s) activities from April 2006 were declared illegitimate and thus the party was suspended from LI observer member status. LI witnessed how pro-liberal parties have faced harsh conditions from the increasingly dictatorial government. “Manipulating independent institutions is undemocratic and dangerous for the future of the nation. We respect the court’s decision, but cannot going to stay silent over the rising authoritarianism in the country.”
In the aftermath of the fraudulent elections, Lord Alderdice joined the head of the Organisation of American States in expressing concern over the allegations of fraud and called on Nicaraguans to resolve the issue through dialogue. “Nicaraguans want and deserve democracy; free elections are a basic precondition of that. The isolationist policy of President Ortega’s government towards the OAS and the international friends of Nicaragua will prove dangerous for Nicaraguans and the region. Instead of instability, more democracy is needed,” said Lord Alderdice.
Nicaragua´s national institute for Ethics and Transparency stated that voters were barred from polling stations, ensuring a fraudulent outcome. At least two people have been killed and six others injured in post-election violence, according to unconfirmed reports from the country.
