In a video statement delivered by Red Liberal de América Latina – Relial President Bertha Pantoja, the bureau of Liberal International expressed alarm at the escalation in authoritarian actions by Daniel Ortega’s government ahead of the November elections in Nicaragua.

For three years, Nicaragua has been in a state of crisis punctuated by mass human rights violations by the Ortega Presidency. In the past month, we have observed with alarm a new wave of arbitrary arrests and imprisonments of protesters and prominent opposition leaders.

In the same breath, the government of Daniel Ortega passed reforms that suffocate the ability of opposition parties to run for office. We must now ask with concern: what opposition if any will remain by the time the November election arrive, and who will be imprisoned next for exercising the liberties that define a true democracy?

With the upcoming elections representing an opportunity for Nicaragua to peacefully resume a democratic course, LI urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to closely observe the ongoing election season and to advocate for the release of political prisoners.

The liberal network will continue to work diligently to preserve the democratic space in Nicaragua.