Sandinistas may postpone poll

Press, 13 June 1984, Page 11

Sandinistas may postpone poll

NZPA-AP Managua The ruling Leftist Sandinista junta plans to postpone general elections scheduled for November 4. probably until early January, because of continuing attacks by United States supported rebels, a knowledgeable source said yesterday. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said threats by opposition leaders to boycott the elections also played a part in the decision to postpone them. The source said a public announcement will be made later this week. The United States supports Nicaraguan rebels based in neighbouring Honduras and Costa Rica as part of a campaign to pressure the Sandinistas into severing close militarv ties with Cuba and the Soviet Union.

United States officials claim these ties, along with alleged smuggling of weapons to Leftist guerrillas fighting for power in El Salvador, are endangering security in Central America.

The United States also wants the Sandinistas to hold free elections, fulfilling a promise they made when they seized power in July, 1979, after overthrowing the late General Anastasio Somoza, the country's Rightist pro-American ruling strongman. A number of opposition leaders are threatening to have their parties boycott the elections unless the Government lifts a national emergency, in force during the last two years because of rebel activity. The emergency includes strict news censorship. A president, vice-presi-dent and a national legislature would be elected.