Nicaraguans Go To Polls Today in Election Marred by Violent Protests

Nicaraguans Go To Polls Today in Election Marred by Violent Protests

By Karla E General
Impunity Watch Reporter, North America

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – The polls open today in Nicaragua as voters elect municipal leaders in 146 townships throughout Nicaragua, Central America’s poorest country with a population of 5.8 million, annual per capita income of $2,800 and an underemployment rate of 46.7 percent. Political analysts have described the municipal elections as a key indicator of current President Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista government’s approval ratings. According to Managua polling firm M&R, Ortega’s approval rating is less than 20 percent with nearly two-thirds viewing him as authoritarian.

All eyes this year are on the mayoral elections in the capital of Managua, a battle between Hall of Fame boxer Alexis Arguello and ex-finance minister Eduardo Montealegre. Arguello, viewed as the “best chance to bolster the leftist Sandinista party of ex-revolutionary and current President Daniel Ortega,” was the city’s deputy mayor between 2005 and 2007. Arguello stated last month that “[t]he Sandinistas are the only party that understands the needs of the country…We welcome anyone who puts away the bitterness, hate and personal interests to work for the community.” Montealegre, running for Managua mayor on behalf of the opposition Liberal Constitutional Party, lost the 2006 presidential race to Ortega.

The campaign trail has been marred by violent protests between Sandinista supporters and opposition parties. The conflicts have been exacerbated by Ortega barring opposition parties – the Sandinista Renovation Movement and the Conservative Party – from supporting candidates, and allegations that the Sandinista party has rigged the vote and refused to allow international observers. Opposition leaders have criticized the Ortega government for failing to invite observers from the Organization of American States and the local group Ethics and Transparency, a group that has monitored past elections. Ortega has accused the U.S. of stirring up dissent to undermine his party.

Sandinistas currently run 87 of the 153 cities and are favored to win re-election today in most of them. “Sandinista supporters will show up at the polls because they are proud of their party…But Ortega’s unpopularity is a big issue, and this could have an impact,” said Managua political analyst, Carlos Tunnermann. Vice President of the Inter-American Dialogue, Michael Shifter, stated: “Ortega is not the same revolutionary he was…Even his core supporters may find it hard to vote Sandinista if the money runs out.”

Results of the final vote are expected to be released on Monday.

For more information, please see:

The Associated Press – Nicaraguan Municipal Vote Seen as Test for Ortega – 9 November 2008

Bloomberg – Nicaragua’s Ortega Befriends Boxers, Contras as Support Wanes – 9 November 2008

San Francisco Chronicle – Ex-Boxer Runs for Mayor in Nicaragua Capital – 9 November 2008

33 Afghan Civilians Killed in U.S. Airstrike

By Shayne R. Burnham
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

KABUL, Afghanistan – On Wednesday, a U.S. air strike hit the remote village of Wech Baghtu, located in the southern province of Kandahar, Afghanistan.  The bombing resulted in the killing of 37 people, all civilians who were attending a wedding party.  Of those killed, 23 were women and 10 were children.  As Senator Barack Obama was newly elected as successor to President Bush, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan called upon him to stop civilian casualties.  He stated, “Our demand is that there will be no civilian casualties in Afghanistan.  We cannot fight against terrorism with airstrikes.  This is my first demand of the new president of the United States–to put an end to civilian airstrikes.”

A relative of the bride, Abdul Jalil, witnessed the bombing.  Jalil said that there was U.S. and Taliban fighting approximately one-half mile from his home.  Shortly thereafter, a fighter aircraft bombed the housing complex where the wedding would take place.  Subsequently U.S. troops came to the scene of the bombing and questioned villagers in search of militants.

Approximately 4,000 people have died this year, almost a third of them are civilians.  NATO and the U.S. claim that mistakes happen and even more people die as a result of Taliban terrorist activity.  U.S. forces spokesman Commander Jeff Bender stated, “If innocent people were killed in this operation, we apologize and express our condolences to the families and the people of Afghanistan.”

The increasing civilian death toll has caused tension among President Karzai and the U.S. and NATO, particularly the August bombing that occurred in the Shah Wali Kot district.  President Karzai has called for a review of reports of civilian casualties.

Senator Obama has said during his campaign that he would launch attacks against terrorist sites located in Pakistan if Pakistan cannot and will not act against them.

For more information, please see:

Associated Press – Karzai ‘Demands’ Obama End Civilian Deaths After Latest Incident – 5 November 2008

Fox News – 33 Killed in Alleged U.S. Strike in Afghanistan – 5 November 2008

Reuters – U.S. Strike Kills Wedding Party Goers:  Afghan Officials – 5 November 2008

PNG Puts Pressure On Fiji to Return to Democracy

By Sarah E. Treptow
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, Sir Michael, Somare, is continuing to put the pressure on Fiji’s interim government to hold elections.  Somare says Fiji will only regain its prominence in the region when they return to democracy.  His comments come a day after the Pacific Islands Forum Working Group on Fiji met in Suva, Fiji’s capital.

Fiji’s interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, had written to the working group requesting recognition that elections in Fiji would not occur by the forum’s previously set March deadline.  He also requested that the working group recognize the recent High Court ruling that legitimized the coup.

Somare also said that democracy is also the only way Fiji will be able to implement the planned People’s Charter.  When discussing the People’s Charter, Somare remarked, “You can accept the charter, people can accept that, but to make it the constitution is very difficult.  You must have a parliament.”

Somare concluded by remarking, “So I think he’s got a big question in front of him and I’m hoping that the ministerial committee, when they meet, they will be able to come up with some answers and, of course, some understanding from him.”

For more information, please see:
Pacific Magazine – Returning to the Polls Will Regain Fiji’s Prominence – 08 November 2008

Radio Australia – PNG PM continues pressure on Fiji regime – 07 November 2008

Malaysia Frees Blogger

By Pei Hu
Impunity Watch, Asia

SHAH ALAM, Malaysia – On November 7th, a Malaysian court ordered the release of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, also known as “RPK”, an influential anti-government blogger for the widely read, Malaysia Today. In September, RPK was arrested for allegedly publishing material that ridiculed Islam and government authorities on his widely read website. Under the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Malaysian government allowed the arrest and detention of citizens without explanation. RPK was held without trial for eight weeks.

Due to intense international pressure, the high court in Shah Alam ruled that the Interior Minister, Syed Hamid Albar, had exceeded his authority to order RPK’s detention. According to Reporters Without Borders, the Malaysian Court has not reviewed an ISA case since 1987. “We are pleased to learn that the judge who ordered his immediate release said the government had failed to give sufficient grounds for holding him,” Reporters Without Borders said.

The Press Freedom Organization added, “This is an important day for free expression in Malaysia and for RPK, who will able to rejoin his family even if the authorities are clearly still keeping him under surveillance. The ISA is now undoubtedly a major obstacle to free expression for journalists, bloggers, and activists in Malaysia.”

However, RPK still faces charges of sedition relating to his reports linking Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, to the murder of a Mongolian woman. Najib is expected to succeed the incumbent Prime Minister, Abdullah Badawi.

Malaysia Today published a statement on RPK’s release and said, “The release of Raja Petra Kamarudin from ISA detention is a victory for the people of Malaysia.” The statement also criticizes the ISA, “Many others still languish in prison under the draconian ISA, including members of Hindraf and individuals allegedly involved with radical groups such as Jemaa Islamiyah.  They all deserve the right of judicial review.”

“We have to fight all-out and get the ISA abolished,” RPK told reporters upon his release.
For more information, please see:

BBC –Malaysia Blogger’s Joy at Release – 7 November 2008

Malaysia Today – Press Statement – The Release of Raja Petra Kamarudin – 8 November 2008

RSF – Leading Blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin Finally Released – 7 November 2008

Obama’s Election: A Democratic Model for Fiji?

By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

SUVA, Fiji – Despite more than 10,000 miles in between, Fiji’s party leaders are regarding the U.S. presidential election as a model for the kind of democracy Fiji hopes to reestablish through its elections.

Some South Pacific leaders believe Mr. Obama’s election will result in better relations between America and South Pacific nations. Other leaders are uncertain as to whether Mr. Obama’s administration will have any significant affect on the South Pacific region.

But in the midst of Fiji’s political turmoil, many Fijian party leaders are viewing Mr. Obama’s election as inspirational and as a possible democratic model to emulate.

In 2006, the Interim Prime Minister,Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, led a military takeover of Fiji’s Federal Government. In October, the High Court in Fiji ruled that the 2006 coup was legitimate. Fiji’s ousted Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, has challenged that decision, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.”

In response to the U.S. election, Mr. Qarase offered congratulations to Mr. Obama. In particular, Mr. Qarase believes that this American presidential election projects a strong message of democracy to not only Fiji, but to countries around the world.

In fact, throughout the South Pacific, nations have risen in support of the American presidential election. American Samoa’s Democratic Congressman, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, has said Mr. Obama’s election marks the most significant U.S. election in the last hundred years. Mr. Faleomavaega believes Mr. Obama’s election is not only important for U.S. States, but also for U.S. Pacific territories. During an interview, Mr. Faleomavaega specifically spoke of the racial ramifications of Mr. Obama’s selection:

“. . . the character of the man (are what matter)… which is what Dr Martin Luther King Jr had dreamed about some sixty years ago, that one day his children would not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. And I have to say to the American people, I’m just so proud to see that they made the judgement on the character of the man and not because of his race,” Mr. Faleomavaega said.

In Indonesia, students from Mr. Obama’s old elementary school danced with excitement in the rain after hearing the news. President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has congratulated Barrack Obama, saying that Indonesia has a “special affection” for him. Mr. Obama lived with his American mother and Indonesian stepfather from the age of 6 to 10. The Indonesian President believes Mr. Obama will have special insight into Indonesia’s culture as well as its problems.

But Fiji leaders believe that Mr. Obama’s election holds a special significance for them as they struggle to rebuild a democracy.

“For Fiji, there is a clear message out of Obama’s victory, the people of Fiji want democracy and an early election. We want leaders chosen by the people, we don’t want leaders forced on us.” Mr. Qarase added, “SDL’s hope is that Obama’s victory will encourage the interim regime to hold elections as early as possible in 2009,” Mr. Qarase said.

Fiji’s United People’s Party, led by Mick Beddoes, says that Mr. Obama’s election gives hope that, “one day we in Fiji will elect the smartest person as prime minister, which gives me hope that one day we will see a member from the minority community in Fiji elected by the majority Fijians and Indians to be prime minister of Fiji.”

While most party leaders believe the U.S. election will affect the South Pacific, other commentators are skeptical. Fiji business tycoon, Hari Punja, says Mr. Obama’s election will have a “negligible” impact at most on Fiji. Mr. Punja attributes this to the U.S. Democratic party’s tendency to address domestic concerns over global ones.

“. . . in the past America has been very benevolent and may not be as benevolent as from now on. Because America will say we will do what is good for us rather than what was good for the world,” Mr. Punja said.

But Fiji People’s Party general secretary, Charan Jeath Singh, says the impact of the U.S. election is more symbolic and hopeful.

“In a nutshell, it gives us a strong message on how we should operate. We must respect democracy and the Government should be allowed to run its full term,” Mr. Singh said.

While many leaders are pushing for Bainimarama to hold democratic elections as soon as possible, no date has been set.

For more information, please see:
Fiji Times – Reactions to Obama’s victory – 06 November 2008

Fiji Times – No impact, says Punja – 06 November 2008

International Business Times – Reaction to Obama elected 1st black US president – 05 November 2008

Radio New Zealand International – American Samoa congressman hails Obama victory – 05 November 2008