Nicaraguan voters are getting ready to follow Daniel Ortega’s script

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has one of the highest approval rates in the region, but he is still going to great lengths to secure his re-election November 6th at all cost. Is this just Ortega playing it safe or a permanent power grab?

Humor

Democracy under Orteguismo

September 9, 2016

While Nicaragua may hold a free election, President Ortega has ensured it won’t be democratic. All that remains to be seen is just how long they take to announce the winner.

Venezuela

El referendo o la carrera de obstáculos

By Andrés Cañizález / infocracia / August 2, 2016

El régimen de Maduro sistemáticamente viola todos los estándares democráticos y ahora intenta obstruir el referendo revocatorio, jugando su última carta para sobrevivir políticamente. Sin referendo el chavismo apuesta por el autoritarismo. ¿Logrará perpetuarse en el poder?

Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations

You call that an ally?

By Christopher Sabatini / chrissabatini / July 5, 2016

Two weeks ago, the Nicaraguan government kicked out three U.S. citizens under trumped up charges (soon, I fear, Trumped Up will become formal adjective to be capitalized). So, why has the State Department been so quiet about it?

Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations

“Gringo(s) go home” say Nicaraguan government and popular opinion

By Michael Zoorob / July 5, 2016

The Nicaraguan government’s expulsion of U.S. citizens—linked loosely to the military—found fertile ground in the country’s popular opinion. Surveys by LAPOP demonstrate high levels of distrust in Nicaragua toward the U.S. military—especially among those who support Ortega.

Foreign Policy & U.S./Latin America Relations

The interoceanic canal, and U.S. constructive engagement toward Nicaragua

By Evan Ellis / REvanEllis / June 26, 2016

After his prompt, unexpected and unceremonial removal from Nicaragua, while there to conduct research on the transoceanic canal, Evan Ellis reflects on the events and what they mean for Nicaraguan democracy and U.S.-Nicaraguan relations.