Meeks, Sires Issue Statement on Nicaragua Elections

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Albio Sires, Chair of the Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration and International Economic Policy Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the general election in Nicaragua where opposition figures were detained by President Daniel Ortega’s security forces:

“We strongly denounce the blatantly anti-democratic elections that took place in Nicaragua on Sunday, November 7th. Ahead of this illegitimate process, the Ortega-Murillo regime arbitrarily imprisoned dozens of opposition figures—including seven potential presidential candidates—banned the participation of several political parties, and clamped down on the few independent media sources left in the country.

“Last week, we supported the passage of the RENACER Act which prioritizes US commitment for democracy in Nicaragua and calls on increased coordination with our international allies to continue applying pressure on the authoritarian Ortega-Murillo government. We urge the Biden administration to move swiftly to sign this important legislation into law.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Nicaragua, and will continue to call for the freedom of all who were unjustly incarcerated as they fight for a return to democracy.”