NICARAGUA: Ortega sets off alarm bells
Nicaragua’s legislature has finally begun the process of electing top officials who, despite the expiry of their mandates, have remained in their posts due to a decree issued by President Daniel Ortega in January 2010 [RC-10-01]. Long a demand of civil society groups and the opposition, the move represents a step towards restoring credibility to the country’s institutions. It did, however, coincide with two new initiatives unveiled by Ortega, which are likely to take effect ahead of the 4 November 2012 municipal vote – one introducing new electoral rules and the other changing the structure of local government. The latter in particular has triggered fresh concerns that Ortega is seeking to strengthen his grip at the local level.
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