There is growing expectation for the "Memorándum de entendimiento" that
the Organization of American States (OAS) will have to sign on February
28 together with the government of Daniel Ortega, indicating actions to
be taken to strengthen democratic institutions. From the opposition, according to a statement sent to Fides, there is much pessimism because after 20 January the public report assessing the conduct of the recent elections and the exercise of democracy in the country had completely ignored the contribution of certain sectors, including farmers representatives and the Catholic Church.
The report of 20 January was the first response to the agreements of October 2016, when the OAS had warned the government of Ortega of his speech as a privileged observer in the elections won by the same Ortega.
Therefore, on February 28, the government of Nicaragua and the OAS will sign a "Memorándum de Entendimiento" which provides, within three years, the implementation of specific initiatives "regarding the monitoring of the municipal elections of November 2017, the improvement of the system of political representation and legal mechanisms to strengthen it", reads the note sent to Fides.
Some opposition members said they are waiting for a ruling on February 28, saying: "We hope that the OAS does not lose this opportunity for democracy in Nicaragua".
The Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua (CEN) gathers for its Assembly, during which it will reflect on its program during the year 2017.