Ortega widely supported despite controversy

Nicaraguan president retains considerable support despite criticism over constitutional validity of bid for third term.

Daniel Ortega Nicaragua Sandinista election president package screengrab

Amid considerable popular support during his presidential campaign, some controversial issues surround incumbent Daniel Ortega.

The former revolutionary, who helped lead the far-left Sandinistas against the Somoza regime in the 1970s, now has a strong relationship with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Voters from farmers to private sector investors seem to support Ortega in his third bid for the presidency, even though his campaign has been accused of by-passing elements of the constitution.

Some former members of the Sandinista government now criticise the president for having “only the desire to get rich as fast as possible”.

Al Jazeera’s Lucia Newman reports from Managua, Nicaragua’s capital.

Source: Al Jazeera