DANISH CONCERNS OVER NICARAGUAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000611 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL DA SUBJECT: DANISH CONCERNS OVER NICARAGUAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS REF: SECSTATE 122262 Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Bill Mozdzierz for reasons 1.4 b, d (C) Danish MFA Head of Office for Latin America Maj Hessel November 21 shares US concerns over the Nicaraguan municipal elections. She reported that already in October, Under Secretary for Latin America Sus Ulbaek traveled to Managua to register Danish concerns over the expulsion of the two opposition parties and the need for international obervers. She noted that Mesa de Cooperacion, the multi-lateral donor group which includes Denmark, issued a statement on November 18 which deplored the lack of impartiality and transparency during the recent elections and called for "peaceful and transparent solutions which could remove doubts regarding the electoral process." This statement echoes a similar declaration from the EU Council on November 12. Hessl agreed that neither statement asks expressly for a recount with impartial observers, noting that there is disagreement among members of the donor group whether a recount would be useful or even feasible. Denmark, while in favor of measures to put pressure on the Nicaraguan government, feels that any response should be coordinated locally. They are not discounting any options at this point. Danish Ambassador Soeren Voehtz has been in contact with our DCM in Managua to discuss the American proposal. The proposal is being discussed with other EU heads of mission in Managua and members of the Mesa de Cooperacion. CAIN