(E-129/01)
June 12, 2001
 

 

OAS OBSERVATION MISSION IN NICARAGUA
CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AND DELIBERATION

 

In response to an invitation from the Government of Nicaragua, in May the Organization of American States (OAS) set up an electoral observation mission in that country to monitor the general elections scheduled for November 4, 2001.

The mission, led by Santiago Murray, a special advisor with the OAS Unit for the Promotion of Democracy (UPD), is currently monitoring the entire process and, in particular, following up on the electoral calendar approved by the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE). The OAS mission aims to observe, examine, monitor, and evaluate implementation of the different components and phases of the electoral process.

At present, a group of observers and experts on electoral organization and information systems is working in the Nicaraguan capital; in October, the OAS mission will be enhanced through the presence of many observers with broad international experience.

The head of the observation mission appeals to the electoral authorities, political parties, media, and populace to see that the current process is carried out in a climate of dialogue, tranquility, and deliberation, respecting the rights of all political players to free expression, so as to strengthen democracy in that country.

The mission would also like to note its appreciation to the Governments of Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland for their contributions to making the first phase of the OAS observation mission possible, thereby providing for adequate monitoring of the activities leading up to the presidential elections.

 

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