Nicaraguan ex-Contra threatens new rebellion

[Judi Lynn]

Nicaraguan ex-Contra threatens new rebellion
updated 8/4/2010 6:22:43 PM ET

MANAGUA, Nicaragua — A former Contra rebel who fought Nicaragua's government in the 1980s says he is preparing to launch another uprising against President Daniel Ortega if his old foe seeks re-election.

Gabriel Jose Garmendia, a minor figure in the U.S.-backed rebel movement, claims Ortega has violated the constitution by seeking a new term.

Garmendia told El Nuevo Diario in an interview published Wednesday that he "rose up" because the government is treading on Nicaraguans' political rights. He did not give details of his plans for an insurrection.

Last year, a Supreme Court commission overturned a ban on consecutive re-election in a controversial ruling.

Ortega, who led Nicaragua from 1979 to 1985 and returned to the presidency in 2006, has not yet formally declared his candidacy for 2011 elections.

More:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38565417/ns/world_news-americas/

[naaman fletcher]

1. Let's hope Ortega decides not to run again.

There are plenty of qualified people, no need to build a dynasty like Chavez.