Brussels, 14/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 10 November, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs “deplored” the “violent clashes” and loss of life that occurred after the elections on 6 November in Nicaragua, when President Daniel Ortega was re-elected with 62.2% of the votes from the first round, the results of which have been contested. “I call on all parties to express and resolve any disagreements through peaceful means”, she added. The high representative went on to “welcome the high level of participation” in the presidential, legislative and Central American Parliament elections. She “commended” civil society on its “strong commitment to democratic elections”.
Ashton lamented the fact that “significant groups of domestic observers” had not been accredited ahead of the elections. “This was a missed opportunity to enhance further the transparency of the process”, she explained. She also encouraged the Supreme Electoral Council to “ensure the highest level of transparency in the rest of the process”.
An electoral observation mission of the European Parliament was present for the elections, along with 80 observers from 25 member states plus Norway, Switzerland and Canada. (CG/transl.fl)