817.00/6085: Telegram
The Minister in Nicaragua (Eberhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:55 p.m.]
385. [From] General McCoy. I beg to submit the following report upon the election on November 4th. The results stated below are based upon telegraphic returns and are not therefore to be regarded as final. All of the 432 precincts have, however, reported and present indications are that no material corrections will be necessary later. Our information now appears sufficiently complete to warrant the following observations:
No instance of disorder on election day occurred in any part of the Republic. The voting proceeded smoothly and in many urban cantons was practically completed by noon. In no reported case was it necessary to keep the polls open beyond 4 p.m. The stain with which the fingers of voters were marked was accepted in good humor and no efforts to remove it and vote twice have been reported. Its use was undoubtedly helpful in preventing fraud and inspiring popular acceptance of the results. The total reported vote was 132, 949 and shows a Liberal Party majority of 19,471 votes for President and Vice President. Eighty-eight percent of the persons registered voted. This high percent was practically uniform in all the departments except Nueva Segovia and Jinotega, where the average fell to 82 percent. The results of the election appear to have been accepted in good part by all concerned. Surprisingly few votes were the subject of objection at the polls. In the canvass of votes for President, Vice President, and Senators, all such objections can be disregarded without affecting the results and no question as to these elections is expected to come before the National Board. Of the 9 Senators apparently elected the Liberals have secured 5 and the Conservatives 4 and as a consequence the two parties will be equally represented in the Senate with 12 seats each. All incoming Senators were elected by decisive majorities in which challenged votes will have no significance so far as can be foreseen. Of the 25 Deputies apparently elected the Liberals have secured 17 and the Conservatives 8; 23 of the number received majorities which appear conclusive. Two Deputies, however, were elected by majorities of but one vote in each case. It was anticipated that difficulties might arise in the final canvass of these two districts. The election in one case, that of a Conservative from Masaya, has already been confirmed unanimously by the departmental board. The other election, that of a Liberal Deputy from Granada, has been confirmed by departmental board, but not unanimously and will now come before [Page 518] the National Board. Indications are that the next Chamber will contain 23 Conservatives and 20 Liberals and that the united Congress, which will proclaim the election of President and Vice President, will contain a majority of 3 Conservatives in joint session. At present departmental boards are engaged in canvassing the election results as reported by precinct and in considering any complaints or protests that may be presented. On November 12th the National Board will begin its final review of the returns as submitted by the departmental boards. In view of the apparent decisive majorities reported in all cases but those of the two Deputies mentioned above it is not anticipated that final review by the National Board will be prolonged. Upon the completion of the canvass by the National Board, certificates of election will be issued to the successful candidates. Under the Nicaraguan Constitution the election of President and Vice President is proclaimed by the united Houses of Congress after each body has passed on the election of its own members and has organized for business. According to Nicaraguan practice the elections and qualifications of Senators and Deputies are passed upon by the hold-over members of the respective Houses, who meet in preparatory sessions on December 10th to examine the credentials of the newly elected members. While, as stated above, the Conservatives will have probably a majority of 3 votes in joint session, present indications are that the decision of the National Board of Elections will be respected by the Congress. The satisfactory results above outlined were without doubt due to the complete cooperation of all American services and personnel. The protection and police arrangements made and the wise precautions of the naval, marine and guardia commanders, will be fully reported on later. Our report on the election of Senators and Deputies will be communicated to the preparatory bodies of the respective Houses on December 10th, and our report on the election of President and Vice President will be presented to the united Congress on or about December 15, the date fixed by the Constitution for its formal installation. The date fixed for the inauguration of the President is January 1st, 1929. Beginning November 18 my assistants will leave Nicaragua as rapidly as their services can be spared. My present plan is to leave Nicaragua with my remaining assistants as soon as the report on the election of President and Vice President has been submitted to the united Congress. I request no announcement be made nor action taken on withdrawal of troops, pending cabled recommendations from here to be forwarded in a few days. Admiral [Page 519] Sellers is here and in consultation on the subject with the Minister, General Feland and myself.
It is requested that the Bureau of Insular Affairs forward a synopsis of the above, so far as it pertains to the elections held in Nicaragua, to Governor General Stimson, Manila.