Yesterday, the Ortega-Murillo regime held what the international community has recognized as sham elections, utterly lacking in credibility given that major opposition parties and a range of presidential candidates were prevented from participating. For years, the regime has sought to silence Nicaraguans through persecution, prison, or exile, and maintain power at all costs by outlawing opposition parties and arresting presidential candidates, civil society leaders, students, journalists, and business leaders. These repressive measures and yesterday’s flagrantly undemocratic vote do not represent the actions of a government that embraces democracy and the rule of law, but rather those of an authoritarian regime that fears the genuine will of the people.
The United States stands with the people of Nicaragua, who deserve to choose their leaders and live in peace and prosperity.