U.S. Reduces Visa Valid Period for Nicaraguan Presidential Candidate
Washington reduced the valid period of visa for Nicaraguan presidential candidate Jose Rizo from 10 years to three months, U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua Paul Trivelli told the press Friday.

"Rizo can travel to the U.S. tomorrow, next week or next month, without restrictions but with a temporary visa," said Trivelli.

He refused to comment directly on the latest polls, saying there were still four months before the election and the survey results would change undoubtedly.

Sources close to Rizo said Washington was pressing for Rizo's withdrawal from the presidential race so that his votes could shift to Eduardo Montealegre, candidate fielded by the Nicaraguan Liberal Conservative Party Alliance.

Nicaragua is scheduled to hold its presidential election in November. Former President Daniel Ortega, candidate of the left-wing National Sandinista Liberation Front, took a narrow lead in the latest polls with 23 percent of voting intentions. He was followed by right-wing Montealegre, seen as Washington's favorite, with 17 percent.

Ortega served as president from 1985 to 1990, but his government was frustrated by the U.S. economic embargo, and he was subsequently defeated by Washington-favored Violeta Chamorro in the 1990 election. This time will be his fourth bid to regain the presidency.

A candidate is required to net at least 35 percent of the votes or 30 percent of votes plus a five-point lead over the No. 2 racer to win the election outright and avoid a run-off.