2018 presidential elections in Nicaragua

Definition

The 2018 presidential elections in Nicaragua were marked by significant political unrest and controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the electoral process. Amidst widespread protests against President Daniel Ortega's government, many opposition parties were marginalized, raising concerns about the fairness of the elections and revealing characteristics typical of competitive authoritarianism, where democratic institutions exist but are undermined by authoritarian practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The elections took place amid significant civil unrest, including mass protests against President Ortega's government, which started in April 2018 due to social security reforms.
2. The international community criticized the elections as illegitimate due to widespread repression of opposition parties and activists, with many candidates facing harassment or arrest.
3. Reports indicated that the electoral process was marred by voter intimidation and manipulation, with government control over media and restrictions on free speech further compromising the electoral environment.
4. The 2018 elections were characterized by a low voter turnout, as many citizens boycotted the elections in protest against Ortega's increasingly authoritarian regime.
5. Following the elections, Nicaragua faced sanctions from various countries and organizations, citing human rights violations and a lack of democratic principles under Ortega's rule.

Review Questions

• What factors contributed to the unrest surrounding the 2018 presidential elections in Nicaragua?
  • The unrest was fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with President Ortega's government, particularly after proposed social security reforms sparked protests in April 2018. Citizens expressed their frustration over economic hardships, corruption, and increasing authoritarianism. The government's heavy-handed response to protests only escalated tensions, leading to calls for political reform and free elections. This unrest set the stage for a highly controversial electoral process marked by allegations of unfair practices.
• Evaluate the role of civil society during the 2018 presidential elections in Nicaragua and how it interacted with the political climate.
  • Civil society played a critical role during the 2018 presidential elections by mobilizing citizens against Ortega’s government. Many organizations worked to document human rights abuses and raise awareness about the electoral process's illegitimacy. However, they faced severe repression from the state, including harassment and arrests of activists. This oppressive environment made it challenging for civil society to effectively advocate for democratic values, highlighting the struggles between authoritarian governance and grassroots movements seeking reform.
• Assess the implications of Nicaragua's 2018 presidential elections on its political future and regional stability in Central America.
  • The implications of the 2018 presidential elections are profound for Nicaragua's political future as they entrenched Ortega's authoritarian regime while weakening democratic institutions. The government's ability to suppress dissent has raised concerns about potential long-term instability, not just within Nicaragua but across Central America. This situation risks creating a regional climate of increased authoritarianism, as neighboring countries may see similar patterns of governance. Moreover, continued social unrest could lead to an influx of refugees and greater humanitarian challenges in the region, impacting overall stability.

Related terms

Competitive Authoritarianism: A political system that combines democratic and authoritarian features, where elections occur but are manipulated to ensure the ruling party's dominance.

Daniel Ortega: The Nicaraguan president and leader of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, who has been in power since 2007 and is known for consolidating power and repressing dissent.

Civil Society: The aggregate of non-governmental organizations and institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens, often playing a crucial role in advocating for democratic practices and human rights.