Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Managua (Agenzia Fides) – After the release of Sunday's (November 9) election results, on Monday, the Bishops' Conference of Nicaragua called for “the revision of the meeting notes in the hands of participating political parties,” as a solution to “the generalized mistrust of the public” regarding the results of the city elections that took place on Sunday.
The Bishops met in “La Purisima” Seminary in Managua on Tuesday, after which they gave the official declaration affirming that the country is going through a period of “national uncertainty.” The Catholic Church has taken an active role as spiritual guide during the entire electoral process and yesterday justified her new message as “a clear posture in favor of our people, who today feel upset for the election results in many municipal jurisdictions.”
In the Message read by the Bishops' Conference's Secretary, Bishop Rene Sandigo, the Prelates express their hope that this “revision” could be performed “in the presence of the political parties and national and international observers.” The Bishops also made “an urgent appeal” to the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE), asking that it work with “honesty, authenticity, and impartiality, in the name of its own personal dignity and out of respect for the people's vote.”
In their message, the Bishops' Conference expressed their gratitude for the public's “civil example shown on election day.” However, they say that in spite of this example, they see a “frustration” among the Nicaraguans that “is based on a series of illegal activities...”
Among the illegal affairs reported by the Bishops is the “non-accreditation of national and international observers,” as the CSE denied the accreditation of the national organisms “Ética y Transparencia” (EyT) and the Institute for Development and Democracy (Ipade), and there was no invitation for the OEA and the Carter Center, of the US, which normally participates as electoral observers in Nicaragua. They also mentioned “the early closing of the voting booths, etc. and the incongruence of the minutes signed by the fiscal workers and the TV reports issued by the CSE...”
All things considered, the Bishops say that “one of the ways to overcome this generalized mistrust of the public is to perform a revision of the reports in the hands of participating parties, just as they were signed in the moment in which the voting booths were closed...in the presence of the political parties and national and international observers.”
The Catholic Church also asked that all Nicaraguans, “especially the electoral authorities, political leaders, soldiers, policeman, etc. avoid all violence” and they called for a day of prayer for harmony and stability, beginning next Thursday.
Nicaragua, especially Managua, has regained its calm two days after elections, during which there were reports of the deaths of two people and dozens injured, in addition to material damages and riots between Sandinistas and liberals. The results showed a victory on the part of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), however the opposition rejects the results, affirming that only pro-Sandinista results are being posted. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2008)
