Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
06MANAGUA958 | 2006-05-03 13:19:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Managua |
VZCZCXYZ0009 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHMU #0958 1231319 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 031319Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY MANAGUA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6154 INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 0644 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC |
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 000958 |
1. (SBU) During an April 26 meeting with OAS Country Director Pedro Vuskovich, visiting DAS Kirsten Madison, USAID DAA Mike Magan, and the Ambassador underscored the importance of continuous OAS observation and political leadership on the ground throughout Nicaragua's entire election period. Vuskovich advised that the OAS special electoral mission will arrive in Nicaragua by the end of April or early May; and that OAS-contracted technical director Patricio Gajardo will remain in Nicaragua throughout the process. 2. (C) Magan underscored the need for close coordination between the regular and special OAS missions. Vuskovich concurred, explaining that his modest OAS mission is channeling its efforts into supporting the special electoral mission. Adding that observation is the best way to dissuade fraud and to encourage high voter turnout, Vuskovich outlined his perception of the OAS special mission's three main tasks: -- Ensure political stability; --Ensure the technical integrity of the electoral process; and, --Address the structural weaknesses of the electoral process. 3. (C) Noting they had heard OAS special mission leader Gustavo Fernandez' presence in Nicaragua might be intermittent, Madison and Magan impressed upon Vuskovich that it is paramount for OAS electoral mission chief Gustavo Fernandez to be in country at all times. Vuskovich assured Madison that Fernandez and/or his deputy Raul Alconada will remain in Nicaragua, and he is confident they will make their presence known as needed. The Ambassador emphasized the value of such political weight to deal with an eventual attempt by the CSE to disqualify a particular candidate. He reminded Vuskovich that the OAS has also committed to forming a "group of notables" to appeal to the presidential candidates' desire for legitimacy and warn them of the high political costs they will incur if they attempt fraud or to disqualify a competitor. 4. (C) The Ambassador enumerated other concerns -- including the interpretation of Electoral Law 6; the Liberal Constitutional Party (PLC) magistrates' boycott of CSE sessions; and, the difficulties of Nicaraguans who do not identify with the Sandinistas (FSLN) to obtain national ID cards and/or to register to vote. The Ambassador urged the OAS to coordinate its efforts with other donors, as well as with USAID and its CEPPS partners IFES, NDI, and IRI to resolve these and other issues. He cited the fact that IFES is working within the CSE, and that CSE President Roberto Rivas has publicly acknowledged IFES's fine work in its training of CSE employees. Vuskovich concurred that coordination is vital. He then shared his frustrations in dealing with Nicaragua's often unpredictable, context-driven political culture, fretting that, instead of firmly adhering to political ideology, Nicaraguan politicians are driven by their personal interests of the moment. 5. (U) Participants: OAS: Pedro Vuskovich, OAS Country Director U.S.: Deputy Assistant Secretary Kirsten Madison Ambassador Paul Trivelli USAID DAA Mike Magan A/DCM A. Dickie USAID Democracy Director Steve Hendrix Polcouns Victoria Alvarado (notetaker) TRIVELLI |