U.N. tells Nicaragua to re-establish fair elections

The U.N. human rights chief urged the Nicaraguan government to re-establish fair elections, citing concerns over the country’s lack of accountability for its human rights violations, reported Reuters.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega should host a “credible, fair, and transparent electoral process” for the municipal elections that will take place later this year, said U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

Bachelet also asked Ortega to hold talks with the his government’s opposition groups.

"The dialogue should be inclusive of all views and should aim to ensure a peaceful and democratic solution to the political, social and human rights crisis that continues to profoundly affect the country," Bachelet said.

One of Bachelet’s main concerns was the country’s rising number of political prisoners from opposition groups. She said there are at least four human rights defenders and around 50 other individuals who were imprisoned without due process ahead of the 2021 elections.

The Nicaraguan government responded to Bachelet’s claims by saying her report “intended to continue disqualifying and denigrating our national authorities and institutions, as well as the legal system that supports the Nicaraguan State, based on false and totally biased information, with the aim of interfering in our affairs, disrespecting our sovereignty and independence."