Managua, Jul 6 (Prensa Latina) The Legislative Commission continues interviewing witnesses to decide on 2003 requests to strip President Enrique Bolaños and other officials of their immunity for possible electoral crimes.


The President and more than 30 members of the Liberal Constitutional Party (PLC), including seven government Ministers, are charged with using funds embezzled by his predecessor Arnoldo Aleman to finance the 2002 Presidential race.



The charges include failing to report donations to the Supreme Election Council and Comptroller's Office, refusing to explain the origin of campaign funds and obstructing an audit of the Mailing and Telecommunications Company (TELCOR).



While Interior Minister Julio Vega claims the subpoena of cabinet officials is politically biased, another legislator Lilliam Morales, disagreed, saying the work of the commission is to investigate presumed electoral crimes, not to promote an understanding among the powers of the State.



President Bolaños has been called to appear before the Commission Friday but he has not confirmed whether he will attend, or send a legal representative.