Keeping The Yes-Men

On January 9 President Daniel Ortega issued a decree that could lengthen the terms of electoral officials that back his bid for re-election in 2011. A deadlock in congress - between Sandinista and opposition lawmakers - over who should sit on the tribunal was used by the president as a pretext for suggesting a keeping of the present line-up. The decree predictably sparked an outcry, with 17 opposition lawmakers led by congressman Eduardo Montealegre calling for Ortega's impeachment. With 2010 having kicked off with such a bang, we expect the political scene to stay roiled and would not be surprised to see a rise in public manifestations against Ortega and his administration.

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