Nicaraguan opposition calls for boycott of 'fraudulent' presidential election

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Nicaraguan opposition parties are calling on citizens to boycott upcoming presidential elections over accusations it is "a farce" designed to create a "dynastic dictatorship" for President Daniel Ortega.

Violeta Granera, spokeswoman for the National Coalition for Democracy, said the upcoming election is "fraudulent."

"We herewith declare the absolute invalidity of these fraudulent elections and demand real elections," Granera said at a press conference on Monday.

Polls show Ortega is likely to win as main opposition candidates have been banned from running by Nicaragua's Supreme Court, which has been accused of working to serve Ortega's interests. The Supreme Court banned several opposition leaders from heading opposition parties, which disheveled the opposition and led Nicaragua's parliament to be ruled entirely by Ortega's party and its allies.

Ortega has also been criticized for prohibiting international election observers to monitor the Nov. 6 elections, stating observers need to "put things in order in their own countries" and also accusing them of working against his Sandinista Front Party.

Ortega was further criticized after he named Rosario Murillo, his wife, as his vice presidential running mate as he seeks a third term. Ortega formed part of a government junta following the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua that overthrew the dictatorship of the Somoza family, which ruled for four decades.