Credit:UN/DPI Photo

Enrique Bolaños

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Nicaragua believe the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) should be endorsed, according to a poll by M&R published in La Prensa. 54.8 per cent of respondents support the ratification of the proposed commerce deal.

In May 2004, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua agreed to the CAFTA. The Dominican Republic followed suit in August. The treaty—which would reduce or eliminate taxes and tariffs on imports—must be approved by each country's legislative branch.

Last March, Nicaraguan president Enrique Bolaños urged the National Assembly to pass the agreement, saying, "The country needs us all to work in order to attract investment, create more jobs and combat poverty." In June, Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) leader and former president Daniel Ortega said the deal would "only create temporary, low-paying jobs." 53.7 per cent of respondents believe CAFTA will be beneficial for Nicaragua.

This week, Nicaraguan lawmakers were unable to agree on a timetable for an actual vote on CAFTA. Debate on the matter is expected to continue after legislators reconvene on Sept. 15.

Nicaragua's political scene has been unstable since Bolaños lost the support of the Constitutionalist Liberal Party (PLC) in January 2002, when his government decided to take legal action against former president Arnoldo Alemán. Last year, Alemán—who governed the country from 1997 to 2002—was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fraud, money laundering and embezzlement.

In November, PLC and FSLN lawmakers at the National Assembly introduced a series of constitutional reforms that restrict presidential powers, by allowing the legislative branch to ratify, summon and dismiss government ministers. Bolaños has so far refused to sanction the amendments.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose the ratification of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA)?

Do you think CAFTA will be beneficial to Nicaragua?

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