SUMMARY

The Government of Nicaragua has operated as a presidential republic since Nicaragua officially became independent in 1838.

It was led by the Somoza family dictatorship for 44 years from 1937 until the FSLN succeeded in overthrowing the regime in 1979, after an armed struggle. Afterwards, a multiparty Junta of National Reconstruction, consisting of the earlier opposition against the Somoza family regime, took over the government. Daniel Ortega, an FSLN leader, served as the official coordinator and de facto head of the government until this was confirmed through presidential elections in November 1984. The dominance of the Marxist FSLN led to this period of government leadership being commonly referred to as the “Sandinista” regime. In 1990, Violeta Chamorro won elections to become President of Nicaragua. Chamorro was an ex-member of the Junta of National Construction, who had resigned in 1980 after realizing that she had little power to steer the junta whilst under Ortega’s leadership. She was credited for ensuring the lasting end to the armed conflict against the government led by the Contras/FDN during the eighties. She remained in power until Arnoldo Alemán was elected president for one term in 1997 and Enrique Bolaños elected in 2002. Daniel Ortega returned to the presidency after winning the following elections in 2007 and as of 2018, he remains President of Nicaragua.

The National Army of Nicaragua consists of army, navy and air forces. In 2018, these active armed troops totaled 12 000.

During its conflict against the Contras/FDN, the Marxist Sandinista regime received support from several other left-wing governments and groups. East Germany provided weapons, military advisors, military and logistical support whilst the Soviet Union contributed the same but with the addition of direct funding as well. Lastly, Cuba and the PLO also sent military advisors to support the Nicaraguan government.