Presedential Elections

FSLN, PLC, ALN or MRS.....who would you vote for ? These were the four main contenders in the 2006 Election in Nicaragua, which took place on the  5th November. It was one of the most important elections in the country's history, basically because Daniel Ortega (FSLN) who represents the Sandinistas (Socialists), was running for the 4th time. In the 1980's Ortega became  president after having overthrown the Samosas, but there then ensued a civil war that killed thousands & left many homeless & in abject poverty. He became incredibly unpopular & the U.S.A. cut off all aid to the country.

As foreigners, we were advised to stay indoors over the voting period...but what a load of rubbish that was !!! Everything here went on as normal, very peaceful, fairly organised, no violence whatsoever!  Only disturbing thing was that they stopped selling alcohol from the  Saturday before to the Tuesday after !!!!!!!!!!!! The whole town was 'dry' for 4 days!!!  Except for Linda and Pete's house where we had sufficient quantities of beer to get us through!!!!  So I guess we did spend a fair bit of time indoors after all !!!

The final results of the Elections were issued last night (8th) & Ortega did indeed get the majority (38 %)....he will begin his term in January 2007. We can only hope that he follows through on his promises & can help improve the peoples lives here.