Legislative Framework

Nicaragua

LF001

Question:	What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):	a. Part of Constitution b. Separate legislation
Comments:	The Constitution includes a chapter that refers to the electoral regime, describing the general structure and attributions of the electoral authority. However, a separate and specific legislation, with the category of constitutional law, details all aspects related to the preparation, organization and surveillance of elections, including the legal regime of political parties.
Source:	Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 168-174, 184: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016); Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified:	2016/06/07

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LF003

Question:	The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):	a. National elections b. Regional elections c. Local elections d. Referendums e. Other
Comments:	The electoral law regulates the electoral processes for President and Vice-President of the Republic; the members of the National Assembly; the deputies before the Central American Parliament; the members of the Councils of the autonomous regions of the Atlantic Coast; municipal majors and vice-majors; members of the Municipal Councils; as well as plebiscites and referenda.
Source:	Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2, 132, 146, 168, 173, 178: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016); Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 1, 2, 10: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified:	2016/06/07

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LF004

Question:	Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):	a. Voting is voluntary
Comments:	Vote is universal, equal, direct, free and secret; it can be exercised at the age of 16.
Source:	Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 51: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016); Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified:	2016/06/07

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LF007

Question:	What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):	b. EMB
Comments:	The Supreme Electoral Council is the contentious authority in electoral issues.
Source:	Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 173 (5, 13): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016); Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 10 (6, 19), 166: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified:	2016/06/07

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