CSE OFFICIAL CLAIMS COUNCIL IS OPEN TO ELECTORAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 002665

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2016
TAGS: PGOV PINR KDEM NU
SUBJECT: CSE OFFICIAL CLAIMS COUNCIL IS OPEN TO ELECTORAL

REFORMS

Classified By: CDA Peter Brennan for reasons 1.4 (b and d)


1. (C) Summary: During a December 5 lunch with poloff,
Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) Chief of Staff
Rodrigo Barreto commented that the CSE magistrates are open
to suggestions to reform the electoral laws and regulations
-- although not from certain prominent domestic NGOs with
whom they have contentious relationships. He also said that
the process of campaign fund reimbursement is under way and
has caused tensions within the political parties, who are in
charge of disbursing the funds internally. As in many other
governmental institutions, CSE functionaries who are not
affiliated with the FSLN are afraid of losing their jobs next
year. End Summary.


2. (SBU) When asked if the CSE magistrates would be open to
reform suggestions, specifically from the OAS and EU final
elections reports, Barreto replied affirmatively. He noted
that the CSE plans to keep open the Municipal Electoral
Councils (CEMs) to facilitate the ongoing distribution of
cedulas (national voter/ID cards) and is requesting funds
from the treasury to keep them open permanently. Part of the
distribution problem is caused by the constant relocation of
the CEMs, which are opened and closed based on budget
resources, he explained. Barreto noted that CSE officials
have met with representatives of the local European Union
mission regarding ongoing technical assistance.


3. (C) While the CSE is open to working with the OAS, EU, and
other international donors, Barreto commented, they are not
disposed to have any further contact with local observer
groups Etica y Transparencia and IPADE. According to
Barreto, the magistrates are "upset" with these groups for
failing to unequivocally endorse the presidential and deputy
elections.


4. (C) Barreto mentioned that the political parties are
already in the process of receiving and distributing their
campaign expenditure reimbursements. He explained that the
reimbursements are based on one percent of the national
budget divided by the percentage of votes obtained by each
party in the general election. The parties themselves
determine how to share the funds internally between the
candidates and allied political organizations, which has
caused considerable angst and internal feuding, especially
within the PLC, he said. (Note: The parties are projected to
receive the following reimbursements: FSLN - $3,440,000; ALN
- $2,550,000; PLC - $2,400,000; MRS - $500,000. The AC did
not receive the minimum four percent of the national vote to
qualify for reimbursement. End Note.)


5. (C) Barreto commented that many of the functionaries in
the CSE who are not affiliated with the FSLN (Barreto
included) are concerned about keeping their positions after
the change in administration. He agreed that the FSLN made
too many promises regarding employment in government
institutions during the campaign that they will be hard
pressed to fulfill. (Bio Note: Barreto mentioned that his
links with the Chamorro family -- his wife was married to a
Chamorro and his stepson is a Chamorro -- shield him to some
degree and may provide another avenue for employment. Also,
his wife is co-owner/director of the local Montessori
preschool that is "doing very well." End Note.)


6. (C) Comment: Barreto's remarks that the CSE will not be
receptive to input on electoral law and regulatory reforms
from certain NGOs who had the temerity to question the CSE's
performance, are disturbing. While the CSE may be willing to
address electoral reforms on their terms, the donor community
should not allow the magistrates to take an "a la carte"
approach and then label the Council "cooperative." We will
continue to keep a close watch on the most crucial reforms --
those involving cedula production and distribution and
control over the civil registry.
BRENNAN