Nicaragua Votes on Returning Ortega to Power

10/05/2001| IslamWeb

MANAGUA, Nicaragua (Islamweb & News Agencies) - Nicaraguans voted in large numbers for president on Sunday, deciding whether to return Daniel Ortega to power on promises he has changed since the 1980s when his leftist Sandinista government waged war against U.S.-backed rebels.Going into the election, opinion polls showed Ortega running neck and neck with conservative businessman Enrique Bolanos of the ruling Liberal Party. The Sandinista chief was fighting for a political comeback after being voted out of office in 1990 and losing again in 1996 elections.
Many voters were still waiting in long lines to vote when polls closed at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. EST). Electoral officials assured those on line they would be able to vote, although there reports in rural areas of voters heading home as night fell.
First official results were not expected until 2 a.m. on Monday (3 a.m. EST), and the long delays at the polls assured results would be late in coming.
``Our plans were overwhelmed,'' said Supreme Electoral Council spokesman Silvio Calderon, referring to the heavy turnout and long delays. He added, ``We don't have any intention of holding back results.''
Election observers predicted a close vote and a slow count that could spark unrest in the nation of 5 million, which for years was divided into pro- and anti-Sandinista camps.
Campaigning on a platform of reconciliation and promises of jobs, Ortega, 55, is supported by many poor Nicaraguans. He is bitterly opposed by business leaders and U.S. officials who question whether he and the Sandinistas have shed their past authoritarian ways.
Police and army troops, some in jungle camouflage gear, were dispersed across the country, with the election watched by about 10,000 Nicaraguan and international observers.