US sanctions on Nicaragua were condemned by a regional bloc of progressive countries today who rejected Washington’s aggressive interventionist action and the reactionary Renacer Act.

Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (Alba) secretary general Sacha Llorenti urged respect for Nicaragua’s sovereignty in the wake of intensified pressure after last Sunday’s election.

Washington had already indicated that it would not recognise the results of the poll which was won comfortably by the Sandinista Alliance and President Daniel Ortega.

On Wednesday evening US President Joe Biden signed the Renacer Act into law, paving the way for increased sanctions and trade restrictions to strangle the Nicaraguan economy.

But Mr Llorenti said the 10-member regional alliance rejects interference by the US in Nicaragua’s domestic affairs.

He reminded Washington of UN resolution 75/181 adopted in December last year which declares that “no state may use or encourage the use of economic, political or any other type of measures to coerce another state in order to obtain from it the subordination of the exercise of its sovereign rights.”

Such actions are contrary to international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, the resolution states.

Mr Biden insists that the coercive measures are necessary to enable electoral reform in Nicaragua, describing Sunday’s vote, in which there was a 65 per cent turnout, as “a sham.”

But reports from the ground, which the US has sought to silence, run contrary to Washington’s claims, with observers citing free, fair and transparent elections.

Mr Llorenti said: “The sovereignty of Nicaragua resides in its people, who have demonstrated their democratic will and their recognition of the economic, social and political results of the Sandinista revolution.”

Alba reiterated its solidarity and support to the people and government of the Republic of Nicaragua, he said.