Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current (1) political, and (2) security, situation in Nicaragua, ahead of the general election in that country on 7 November.

The presidential election that took place in Nicaragua on 7 November was an election in name only. It was neither free, nor fair. The abuses committed by the Ortega-Murillo regime have prevented the Nicaraguan people from making the democratic choice they have the right to make. The UK calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all opposition leaders and other political prisoners in Nicaragua and for the full restoration of all of their civil and political rights.

Prior to the election, we raised our concerns repeatedly in London, Managua and at multilateral fora. On 8 November, the day after the presidential election, Her Majesty's Government published a statement highlighting the UK's deep concern over the deterioration of political and human rights in Nicaragua and the subversion of democratic processes. We will continue to work closely with our partners to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Nicaragua.