Accusations of Fraud in May National Elections

The national elections held in May were characterized by widespread allegations of fraud from both the ruling party and the opposition. Guillermo Endara emerged victorious, defeating Manuel Noriega by a substantial margin of over three-to-one. Despite this clear outcome, the Noriega regime rejected the election results, claiming that there was significant interference from the United States. This rejection led to a period of increased repression by the government against dissenters and those who supported Endara. The situation drew international attention, with foreign observers, including representatives from the Catholic Church and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, validating Endara's victory. Their endorsement highlighted the legitimacy of the electoral process, despite the regime's attempts to undermine it. The aftermath of the elections intensified the political crisis in the country, leading to further instability and conflict between the government and opposition forces.