Political Parties
Nicaragua's traditional two parties were the National Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Nacionalista—PLN) and the Nicaraguan Conservative Party (Partido Conservador Nicaragüense—PCN). The PLN favored separation of church and state, some social legislation, no foreign interference in the political process, and limited land reform. It was supported by government employees, the National Guard, and large segments of the middle and lower classes. The PCN desired government cooperation with the Catholic Church (but also advocated freedom of religion), less government interference in private business, and a regressive tax structure.
Historically, Nicaragua had a two-party system, with varying two dominant political parties. However, the 2006 general election marked the end of the bipartite scheme, as the anti-Sandinista forces split into two major political alliances: the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN) and the Constitutionalist Liberal Party (PLC).
Historically, Nicaragua had a two-party system, with varying two dominant political parties. However, the 2006 general election marked the end of the bipartite scheme, as the anti-Sandinista forces split into two major political alliances: the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN) and the Constitutionalist Liberal Party (PLC).
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The Sandinista National Liberation Front (Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional, FSLN) remains one of Nicaragua's two leading parties. The FSLN often polls in opposition to theConstitutional Liberal Party, or PLC. In the 2006 Nicaraguan general election, former FSLN President Daniel Ortega was elected President of Nicaragua with 38.7% of the vote compared to 29% for his leading rival, bringing in the country's second Sandinista government after 16 years of the opposition winning elections. Ortega and the FSLN were re-elected again in the presidential election of November 2011.
The Constitutionalist Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Constitucionalista, PLC) is an opposition political party in Nicaragua. At the legislative elections, held on 5 November 2006, the party won 25 of 92 seats in the National Assembly. However, the party suffered a devastating loss in the 2011 general election and lost 23 seats in the National Assembly.
The Independent Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Independiente - PLI) is a Nicaraguan political party separated from Somoza's Nationalist Liberal Party (PLN) in 1944, and formed in 1947. PLI participated in 1984 election, winning 9.6% of vote for President with its candidate Virgilio Godoy. In 1990 it was part of the National Opposition Union -a broad alliance of Sandinista regime opponents- with Virgilio Godoy running as the vice-presidential candidate.
The Constitutionalist Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Constitucionalista, PLC) is an opposition political party in Nicaragua. At the legislative elections, held on 5 November 2006, the party won 25 of 92 seats in the National Assembly. However, the party suffered a devastating loss in the 2011 general election and lost 23 seats in the National Assembly.
The Independent Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Independiente - PLI) is a Nicaraguan political party separated from Somoza's Nationalist Liberal Party (PLN) in 1944, and formed in 1947. PLI participated in 1984 election, winning 9.6% of vote for President with its candidate Virgilio Godoy. In 1990 it was part of the National Opposition Union -a broad alliance of Sandinista regime opponents- with Virgilio Godoy running as the vice-presidential candidate.