The institutionalisation of power in Nicaragua: from the Sandinista revolution to the Political Constitution of 1987

Authors

  • Manuel Ruiz Guerrero

Keywords:

Nicaragua, Sandinista revolution, Government Board, Council of State, statutes, decrees, democratic institutionality

Abstract

This paper analyzes the legal structures and the power concentration that developed after the creation of the first revolutionary organs. Therefore, it thoroughly examines the Fundamental Statute of the Republic of Nicaragua, the Council of State, the Statute on the Rights and Guarantees of Nicaraguans, the Statute of the National Assembly and the decrees issued by the Executive and Legislative branches. The paper describes the arduous route that led to the consolidation of the governmental institutions in Nicaragua. This process took place while the Reagan Administration funded armed groups known as «contrarrevolucionarios». On the one hand, the analysis emphasizes the inconsistencies and confusion of the legal instruments involved and, on the other hand, the gestation of a reinforced presidentialism that mutilated the independence of the other governmental branches. Both of them will be noticed in the Constitution of 1987.

Issue

Section

ARTICLES