An opposition boycott of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-endorsed parliamentary elections scheduled for December 20, 2018, for example, could increase the risk of violence on election day.

I will be a strong advocate for the U.S. Agency for International Development, to ensure it has the tools and resources needed to fulfill its mission.

If confirmed, I will work to ensure that U.S. Government resources are used effectively, particularly for Democracy Rights and Governance (DRG) programming.

early, free, fair, and transparent elections are the best path back to democracy and respect for human rights in Nicaragua.

The upcoming national elections are an important test of the Government's adherence to the democratic values our two countries share.

It is also imperative that any repatriation be fully voluntary, safe, and dignified.

One person one vote elections will be critical for shifting political influence away from power brokers to the people.

We are calling for early, free, and fair elections with credible domestic and international electoral observation.

I will urge the Nicaraguan Government to immediately cease its repression and release those who have been arbitrarily detained.

I will continue to call on President Ortega and his government to agree to hold early, free and fair elections with international observation.

If confirmed, I will work to further strengthen our economic and security partnerships across the African continent.

The U.S. Government remains concerned by attempts during and after the prolonged 2017 election process to undermine key democratic institutions such as the judiciary and the media.