Punto De Vista: Recurring Abuses Mar Nicaraguan Elections

Nicaragua’s governing Sandinista party has strengthened its control over the Central American nation, winning an overwhelming number of local elections in voting Nov. 4. Election monitors from the Organization of American States noted some problems with voting lists, but said the polling took place in an “atmosphere of civility” amid low turnout. Complaints by others, however, have raised concerns that practices that marred previous elections continue to stifle the will of the Nicaraguan people.