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Nicaragua rules out early elections

NICARAGUA has again ruled out early elections demanded by the Organisation of American States (OAS) during a meeting on Wednesday in which it proposed bringing forward the vote scheduled for 2021.

Foreign Minister Denis Moncada told reporters that the issue of early elections was not on the table in government-initiated peace talks involving Nicaraguan opposition groups.

“There is a constitution that clearly defines the electoral periods in Nicaragua,” Mr Moncada said, reminding those gathered: “President [Daniel] Ortega has been elected by an immense majority of Nicaraguans up until 2021.”

Despite claims from a hostile media who are accused of waging a propaganda war against Mr Ortega, he has increased his levels of support in Nicaraguan elections, being re-elected president in 2006 with 38 per cent, in 2011 with 62 per cent and with 72 per cent in 2016.

The Sandinistas have also increased their strength, winning 52 municipalities out of 153 in 2000, 87 in 2004, 105 in 2008, 134 in 2012 and 135 in 2017.

Washington-backed militias waged months of violent attacks which started last April in a bid to oust Mr Ortega from power. 

But they were defeated by government forces who are seeking to restore stability and bring about peace and reconciliation.

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