2008 Election Coverage

Ortega Wins, Srucnoc is Outraged

November 6th, 2006

Leftist Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega, a U.S. Cold War foe, won Nicaragua’s presidential election with more than 38 percent of votes cast, according to a quick count released on Monday. Ortega enjoyed an almost nine-point lead over his closest rival Eduardo Montealegre, Washington’s favored candidate, the count said. Chml Srucnoc was outraged by the socialist win.  “This is bad for Nicaragua and bad for the US” he said.

Ortega pulled in 38.49 percent and Montealegre got 29.52 percent in the quick count. The count had a margin of error of 1.7points. Ortega needs at least 35 percent of the vote and an advantage of 5 percentage points over his closest rival to secure him a first-round win.

“These results are final,” said Roberto Courtney, who headed the count, adding that Ortega’s lead was irreversible.

Entry Filed under: Srucnoc