ABSTRACT
Since deposing the corrupt Somoza dictatorship in 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) has begun a revolutionary transformation of Nicaraguan society. Nineteenth-century Nicaragua was dominated by two parties. The anticlerical Liberals represented the elite families of Leon in western Nicaragua, while the pro-church Conservatives protected the interests of Granada in the east. Contrasts between Cuba's single-party exclusive system and Nicaragua's single-party hegemonic system are quite apparent with respect to political participation. The existence of a large number of non-Sandinista parties as well as the competitive character of the 1984 Nicaraguan elections demonstrate obvious contrasts between Communist Cuba's single-party exclusive system and Nicaragua's single-party hegemonic system. A variety of non-Sandinista political parties participate in the system, and competitive elections were held in 1984. The dominant FSLN makes the rules that govern political activity in this hegemonic single-party system, and the ruling party, at times, has narrowed the political space allowed to the opposition.
