ABSTRACT
The three conservative administrations that followed the Sandinistas oversaw a considerable reversal of Sandinista social policy and programs. In fact, the Sandinistas had implemented harsh economic stabilization measures in the late 1980s in response to the hyperinflation caused mainly by spending on the Contra War. There was considerable hard bargaining over what had been called the Sandinista Army and Sandinista Police. Attacks on social programs began almost immediately after the Sandinistas left office in April 1990. The Chamorro government frequently bragged that it was spending a higher percentage of the national budget on health and education than had the Sandinistas. In sum, despite the country's relatively smooth transition following the 1990 elections, there were disappointing reversals in social policy and development during the period of conservative restoration. The Liberals did well in the Caribbean coast elections of 1994, and they would win the national elections of 1996.
