Nicaraguan bishops oppose Ortega’s reelection bid

December 09, 2010

The bishops of Nicaragua are opposing President Daniel Ortega’s bid to seek a third term in office. The nation’s constitution limits presidents to two terms, but last year the Nicaraguan Supreme Court, packed with Ortega allies, ruled that the Sandinista leader could seek reelection.

“We have said that all Nicaraguans have a constitution,” said Archbishop Leopoldo José Brenes Solórzano of Managua. “All Nicaraguans, regardless of their tendency, must take it as a reference point. It is like a traffic light: when you get a red light you have to stop.”

The leftist Ortega, whose administration favored abortion and harassed Church leaders in the 1980s, was voted out of power in 1990, lost subsequent election bids, and returned to power in 2007.

 

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Further information:

• Elections 2011: “We must choose the one who works, not for self-interest, but for the good of the Country,” interview with Archbishop Brenes (Fides)
• Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega dubbed 'Chavez Mini-Me' in leaked U.S. cables (Los Angeles Times)
• Tensions mount in Nicaragua over Ortega re-election (Reuters)