Nicaragua’s President Ortega on Track for Controversial Fourth Term

As expected, Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega had an overwhelming lead on his way to winning his fourth consecutive term, in an election that both the opposition and the U.S. said was a sham, completing his transformation into a 21st century version of the dynastic dictator he helped to overthrow over 40 years ago.

In the early hours of Monday, Brenda Rocha, the head of Nicaragua’s electoral authority said that with 65% of the vote counted, Mr. Ortega had won 75% of the vote. Five small satellite parties controlled by Mr. Ortega and nicknamed “zancudo” or mosquito parties, split the difference. Ms. Rocha said abstention had been 35%.