Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Opposition fighters known as the Contras carry out nationwide attacks. With US fund-
ing, the Contras grow in numbers to 15,000; the FSLN responds by implementing com-
pulsory military service.
1984
Daniel Ortega is elected president with 63% of the vote. The FSLN controls the Na-
tional Assembly by a similar margin.
1987
Central American Peace Accords signed. Ortega promises to lift press censorship, en-
force a ceasefire and hold free elections as a sign of the Sandinistas' commitment to
democracy.
1990
Violeta Barrios de Chamorro beats Daniel Ortega in presidential elections. The pro-
cess of national reconciliation begins as the Contra War and US-led economic em-
bargo end.
1996
Voters go to the polls again, once more rejecting the FSLN's Ortega, opting instead for
former Managua mayor Arnoldo Alemán of the PLC, a center-right liberal alliance.
2001
Enrique Bolaños is elected president by a small margin. After 11 years of trying to
make a comeback, it is Ortega's third defeat.
2006
After three failed bids, Ortega regains the presidency with 38% of the vote. He seeks
closer ties with left-wing governments in Venezuela, Bolivia and Cuba.
2008
The Electoral Council bans two opposition parties. The FSLN sweeps countrywide
municipal elections, which are widely denounced as fraudulent resulting in a reduc-
tion in foreign aid.
2010
Tensions flare at Harbour Head in the Río San Juan with Costa Rica responding to Ni-
caraguan dredging operations by sending heavily armed police to the border.
