This is very bad news for Nicaragua:
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (Reuters) – Former Marxist rebel Daniel Ortega, a U.S. Cold War foe, was ahead in Nicaragua’s presidential election but his lead over a conservative rival narrowed slightly, partial results showed on Monday.
With returns in from 14.7 percent of polling stations after Sunday’s election, Ortega had 40.04 percent of votes, just enough to seal outright victory if that level of support held.
But his lead over conservative Eduardo Montealegre slipped from more than 8 points earlier to under 7 points. Ortega needs either 40 percent of the vote or at least 35 percent and a five point lead over Montealegre to take victory and avoid a runoff election next month.