Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: For electoral purposes, a national constituency is used with the administrative boundaries concerning to the fifteen departmental constituencies and the two Autonomous Regions.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 132 (1):
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. 17, 140, 141:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: Existing regional boundaries are used.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 132 (1):
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. 17:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber)
Comments: Regional boundaries determined in the Law on Administrative Political Division are used. The political and administrative division of the national territory is the responsibility of the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 132 (1), 138 (20):
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. 17:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government b . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the Head of State and the Head of Government, and at the same time is Supreme Head of the Army of Nicaragua. The President is elected by universal, equal, direct, free and secret vote. The candidate with the relative majority of the votes cast shall be elected.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 144, 146, 147 (1):
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. 145:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
a . Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: The President of the Republic is both the Head of State and the Head of Government.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 144, 146, 147 (1):
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. 145:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President shall exercise their functions for five years. The constitutional reform of 2014 allows the indefinite presidential re-election. Currently, the president of Nicaragua is Daniel Ortega, elected in 2006 and reelected in 2011.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 144 - 150:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The legislative power rests into the National Assembly, which is composed of ninety deputies elected by proportional representation.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 132:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: Members of the National Assembly are elected by proportional representation for a five-year term.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 132:
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: 146-149:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
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
LF003
Electoral Law covers
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
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
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
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
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
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Council 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. 168, 173 (1):
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:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Council´s plenum approves its own annual budget. After that, shall be ratified by the National Assembly who is empowered to know, discuss, and approve the bill of the Annual Law of the General Budget of the Republic.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 138 (6):
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. 12 (c), 14 (5-c):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The General Comptroller of the Republic is an independent body in charge of controlling the management of the General State Budget.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 155:
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. 14 (5-c):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The magistrates of the Supreme Electoral Council shall serve for a five-year term.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 172:
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. 9:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Electoral Power holds the same constitutional status of the legislative, executive and judicial powers, which is composed by the Supreme Electoral Council and other subordinate electoral bodies.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 7, 168:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Council is composed of seven magistrates and three substitutes, elected by the National Assembly.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 170:
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. 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The qualifications to be member of the Supreme Electoral Council are: 1) Nicaraguan citizenship. 2) Have full exercise of their civil and political rights. 3) Be at least 30 and no more than 75 years old the day of the election. 4) Have resided in the country continuously for the four years prior to their election, unless during that period they were on diplomatic missions, working with international organizations or studying abroad.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 171:
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. 7, 138 (8):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature h . Civil society
Comments: Members of the Supreme Electoral Council are elected by the National Assembly amongst candidates proposed by the President and Members of the National Assembly, in consultation with relevant civil associations. At least 60% of the deputies' votes are required for the election of each member of the Supreme Electoral Council.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 170 (1), 138 (8):
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. 6:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Council, along with the Departmental and Municipal Election Boards.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 19 (A-4, B-3):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: 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
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments:
Source: 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
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
a . 16
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 47 (1), 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
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Citizenship is acquired at the age of 16. In order to exercise the suffrage right, citizens ought to be in full possession of their rights, be registered in the permanent electoral roll, and have an identification card or another electoral document (civil booklet).
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 47 (1), 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, 31:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Council is empowered to organize and manage the Central Register of Civil Status and the Electoral Roll.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 173 (10):
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, 12, 16, 33:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In order to exercise the suffrage right, citizens ought to be in full possession of their rights and be registered in the electoral rolls and the permanent electoral roll.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 31, 116 (2):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: Citizens interested in the constitution of a political party must notify so to the Supreme Electoral Council. The following requirements must be fulfilled in order to get legal personality: 1) Public Deed with which the political party is formed. 2) The name of the organization and its distinctive logo. 3) Its political principles, programs and statutes. 4) The political party’s assets. 5) The name of the legal representative and his/her substitute. 6) The constitution of National Executive Boards with at least nine members. 7) The constitution of Departmental Executive Boards and Autonomous Regions’ Executive Boards, according to the Administrative and Political Division, with at least seven members. 8) The constitution of Local Executive Boards in each municipality, with at least five members.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 65, 77, 82:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship c . Country of birth d . Residence j . Other
Comments: The National Assembly candidates’ qualifications are: 1) Nicaraguan citizenship. 2) Full exercise of civil and political rights. 3) Be at least 21 years old. 4) Reside continuously in the country for four years prior to the election, unless during that period they were engaged in diplomatic missions, were working in international organizations or studying abroad. 5) In addition, it is required to be a native or a resident for a two-year period preceding the election date of the constituency in which the candidates seek to be elected for.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 134 (1):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments: Even though independent candidates are not foreseen in the electoral law, the opposition parties will hold primary elections in 2016 to include them as candidates for President and departmental deputies.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 77:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016);
EU EOM Final Report, General and Parlacen Elections in Nicaragua, 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/nicaragua-final-report-general-elections-eu/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Political parties and alliances participating in the national elections are entitled to public funding as a reimbursement for their campaign expenses, provided that they have obtained at least 4% of the valid votes. In addition, they are allocated free broadcast time for their pre-electoral campaigns.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 90, 99:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: The State shall allocate the amount equivalent to 1% of the General Budget to repay electoral campaign expenses of the political parties or alliance of parties in proportion to their share of votes, only if they have obtained at least 4% of the valid votes.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 99, 102:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Political parties or alliances are allowed to receive donations from Nicaraguan or foreign citizens, within the amounts and ceilings set forth, and in accordance with the requirements and conditions established in the electoral law. However, they are not allowed to receive funding from State or mixed institutions, whether national or foreign; anonymous private donations; neither are the contributions made by any autonomous or decentralized public body. The donations made by foreign institutions can only be assigned to technical assistance and training.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 103, 104:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Once the voting is finished and the minute act signed, ballots are counted at the polling station.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 123:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: Within three days of the publication of the provisional results, political parties or political alliances can submit their request before the Supreme Electoral Council.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 132, 166:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Council allocates 30 minutes per day in each public television station and 45 minutes per day in each public radio station to political parties or coalitions that have nominated candidates. This broadcast time is distributed to political parties on an equal basis.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 90:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
c . No
Comments:
Source: EU EOM Final Report, General and Parlacen Elections in Nicaragua, 2011:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/nicaragua-final-report-general-elections-eu/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 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
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions regulating this issue.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 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
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The sovereign power, exercised by means of referenda or plebiscites, can also be exercised through participative budgets, citizens’ initiatives, territorial Councils, communal assemblies of the native and afro-descendant people, and sectoral Councils.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2, 140 (5):
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. 133 - 138:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A minimum of 50 000 signatures is required to the initiative by referendum.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2:
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. 133 - 138:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A minimum of 5 000 signatures is required. Even though the Nicaraguan Constitution foresees the citizens’ initiative, it is not regulated into the electoral law.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 140 (5):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President is empowered with the legislative initiative for plebiscite, meanwhile one third of the deputies before the National Assembly is entitled with the legislative initiative for referendum. In both cases, citizens are entitled with the legislative initiative only if 50 000 signatures are recollected.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 133 - 138:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/constitucion/constitucion-politica-de-nicaragua-con-reformas-a/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law No. 331: “Ley Electoral No. 331 (enmendada por la ley No. 790 del 23/05/2012)”, art. 138:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments: Ordinary or constitutional laws and amendments.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de Nicaragua (2014)”, art. 2:
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. 133-134:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
Verified: 2016/06/07
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2016/06/07
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Citizens shall cast their votes at the polling station in which they are registered.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 23/05/2012), art. 109: http://legislacion.asamblea.gob.ni/SILEG/Gacetas.nsf/5eea6480fc3d3d90062576e300504635/e2ad62ab83ae684406257a08006aebbe/$FILE/Ley%20No.%20790.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2016/06/07
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: Nicaraguan citizens outside of the country or living abroad are supposed to have the right to vote in the election for President and Vice-president, national deputies and Central American Parliament deputies, following the same model as within the nation; however, this is yet to take place in practice.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 23/05/2012), art. 122: http://legislacion.asamblea.gob.ni/SILEG/Gacetas.nsf/5eea6480fc3d3d90062576e300504635/e2ad62ab83ae684406257a08006aebbe/$FILE/Ley%20No.%20790.pdf (2012);
EU EOM Final Report, General and Parlacen Elections in Nicaragua, 2011: http://www.eueom.eu/files/dmfile/moeue-nicaragua-final-report-22022012_en.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2016/06/07
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: Even though the law states the possibility of personally voting from abroad at special polling stations, this has never actually taken to practice. However, it is established that for citizens abroad to exercise their right to vote, locations will be set up under the legal fiction of extraterritoriality.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 23/05/2012), art. 122: http://legislacion.asamblea.gob.ni/SILEG/Gacetas.nsf/5eea6480fc3d3d90062576e300504635/e2ad62ab83ae684406257a08006aebbe/$FILE/Ley%20No.%20790.pdf (2012);
EU EOM Final Report, General and Parlacen Elections in Nicaragua, 2011: http://www.eueom.eu/files/dmfile/moeue-nicaragua-final-report-22022012_en.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2016/06/07
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: The voters shall mark each ballot paper with an “X” or any other sign within the circle of their preference and shall fold it to be introduced into the corresponding ballot box.
Source: Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 23/05/2012), art. 116 (4): http://legislacion.asamblea.gob.ni/SILEG/Gacetas.nsf/5eea6480fc3d3d90062576e300504635/e2ad62ab83ae684406257a08006aebbe/$FILE/Ley%20No.%20790.pdf (2012)
Verified: 2016/06/07
The data on this page is continuously updated.
Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.
Forgot your password?
