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