The United States Department of State expressed “concern” about the close ties between Nicaragua and Russia, shortly after the recent signing of a “cooperation” protocol between authorities of both countries in electoral matters that was signed last week in the framework of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both nations.
On December 12, the allied countries celebrated 78 years of bilateral relations. According to a joint statement released, it is a “cooperation protocol in the field of improving legislation, promoting the legal culture of voters.”
The parties also seek the development and use of modern technologies in electoral processes and referendums, and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two States.
“Nicaragua’s deepening military, political, and intelligence relationship with Russia is cause for concern,” the State Department responded via email to the voice of america last week.
In addition, in his response, he argued that Nicaragua has supported Russia’s attempts to annex parts of Ukraine, as evidenced by its vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favor of Russia, and has openly defended human rights abuses by Russia. Russia.
“Nicaragua was the only government in the Americas that voted with Russia. Even Cuba chose to abstain. We remain concerned about Nicaragua’s adherence to Russia’s manual, which uses extreme methods of repression to silence opposing views,” said the Department of Condition.
What do Ortega’s opponents say?
Part of the Nicaraguan opposition is concerned about Russia’s support for the Ortega government on electoral issues, after the previous disputed elections in the Central American nation where allegedly there were irregularities that would have given the ruling party an advantage.
“[Daniel] Ortega is basically copying a Russian model with authoritarianism and rigged elections,” said former opposition lawmaker Eliseo Núñez.
Ana Quiros, a member of the opposition Blue and White Unit (Unab), a political organization that emerged after the protests against Ortega in 2018, said that “Russia has never been characterized by its enormous democratic development or its high electoral capacity.”
However, he says that “it is striking” that they talk about a cooperation that is mainly aimed at the use of modern technologies in electoral processes and referendums, as well as the promotion of legal culture and the improvement of legislation.
The Nicaraguan government did not respond to a request for comment on the agreement signed with Russia.
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