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Managuans Like Lewites as President
April 6, 2006
(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Voters in Nicaragua’s capital area pick a former mayor to be their country’s next head of state, according to a poll by Borge y Asociados. 39.7 per cent of respondents would vote for Herty Lewites in this year’s presidential election.

Former presidency secretary Eduardo Montealegre of the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance - Conservative Party (ALN-PC) is second with 31.7 per cent, followed by former president Daniel Ortega of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) with 18.4 per cent, and Constitutionalist Liberal Party (PLC) nominee and former vice-president José Rizo with 8.1 per cent.

In 2001, the PLC’s Enrique Bolaños won the presidential election with 56.3 per cent of the vote. Bolaños lost the support of the PLC in January 2002, when his government decided to take legal action against Arnoldo Alemán. Last year, the former head of state—who governed the country from 1997 to 2002—was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fraud, money laundering and embezzlement.

Lewites headed the government of Nicaragua’s capital from 2001 to 2005, but was expelled from the FSLN in February 2005. Lewites will represent the Sandinista Renewal Movement (MRS). Managua is home to 30 per cent of the Nicaraguan electorate.

Yesterday, former members of the FSLN youth wing threw their support behind Lewites. Coordinator Silvio Gutiérrez explained their rationale, saying, "We think the Herty alliance is the best option to destroy the pact (between the PLC and the FSLN) that has this country on the verge of a crisis." 63.7 per cent of respondents want Lewites and Montealegre to work together to offset the pact between Ortega and Alemán.

The next presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 5. In the event no contender receives 40 per cent of all cast ballots, the first place finisher can only avoid a run-off by holding a five-point advantage over the closest rival.

Polling Data

Who would you vote for in the presidential election if the candidates were these?

Herty Lewites (MRS)
39.7%

Eduardo Montealegre (ALN)
31.7%

Daniel Ortega (FSLN)
18.4%

José Rizo (PLC)
8.1%



Should Eduardo Montealegre and Herty Lewites work together to offset the pact between Daniel Ortega and Arnoldo Alemán?

Yes
63.7%

No
32.6%