Nicaraguan opposition says elections "void and illegitimate"

Nicaraguan opposition groups are saying next month's presidential election is “void and illegitimate” because of President Daniel Ortega's arrests of critics and potential challengers

MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Nicaraguan opposition groups said Thursday that next month’s presidential election is “void and illegitimate” because of President Daniel Ortega’s arrests of critics and seven potential challengers.

A statement issued by the country’s main opposition alliances calls on the Organization of American States to suspend the Nicaraguan government from the body.

Ortega opened his election campaign this week almost unopposed, after he tossed most of his rivals in jail on treason charges. The opposition said those moves “ended any vestige of real electoral competition” in the Nov. 7 election, in which Ortega is seeking a fourth consecutive term.

The opposition statement was issued from Costa Rica, where many Nicaraguans have taken refuge amid the crackdown on politicians that began in May. It was signed by the Blue and White National Union, the Nicaraguan Democratic Front, the Democratic Renovation Union, the Farmworkers Union and other groups.