(8 Nov 2021) Crowds of supporters of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega gathered late Sunday at Managua's Plaza de la Victoria, celebrating what they felt was his assured victory at the nation's general elections, even though official results were still pending.
Ortega, who has stayed in power for over twelve years, was seeking a fourth consecutive term in elections the United States has called a "pantomime" following the jailing of his top rivals and the country's opposition had urged voters to boycott.
While officials observed very low attendance of voters compared to previous elections, supporters of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) were seen in large numbers celebrating in anticipation of official results.
Ortega has railed against alleged interference by Washington in Sunday's elections to determine who holds the presidency for the next five years, as well as 90 of the 92 seats in the congress and Nicaragua's representation in the Central American Parliament.
The ruling Sandinista Front and its allies control the congress and all government institutions.
Ortega first served as president from 1985 to 1990, before returning to power in 2007. He recently declared his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, his "co-president."
Voting was orderly and closed Sunday evening without reported incidents. Provisional vote totals were expected Monday.
The opposition had called on Nicaraguans to stay home in protest of an electoral process that has been roundly criticized as not credible by foreign powers.
In June, police arrested seven potential presidential challengers to Ortega on charges that essentially amount to treason.
They remained in detention on election day. Some two dozen other opposition leaders were also swept up ahead of the elections.
The remaining contenders on Sunday's ballot were little known politicians from minor parties seen as friendly with Ortega's Sandinista Front.
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