2016 National Elections
As Nicaragua’s national elections moved forward in 2016, CSOs continued to monitor the electoral process for transparency and equity.
The group Etica y Transparencia, as part of Panorama Electoral (a consortium of Nicaraguan organizations), undertook a non-partisan independent observation throughout the election period. Despite a lack of access to some key processes (such as the vote count and tabulation of results), observers reported on the general electoral environment, and few reported witnessing or hearing reports of violence against women at any point during the election.
Before the Election
Panorama Electoral deployed observers in over 150 municipalities during the three months before the day of elections. These observers reported back regularly on pre-election activities by electoral institutions and political parties.
While few incidents of violence were reported by observers, Panorama Electoral did note and report on a gender bias in events and the composition of local electoral boards throughout the pre-electoral period.
Election Day
On election day, Panorama Electoral deployed observers proportionately throughout the country to monitor the electoral processes and general environment -- including any incidents of violence.
About the Observation
Panorama Electoral deployed observers in 152 municipalities during the three months leading up to election day. On election day itself, 650 observers were deployed, including 158 municipal and district coordinators, as well as 492 short-term observers deployed in a proportional manner throughout all municipalities of the country.
For more information about this observation, check out the reports from Panorama Electoral, available here in Spanish and English.