Parties and Candidates

Nicaragua

PC001

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

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PC003

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

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PC008

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

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PC012

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

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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

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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

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