Thousands of Nicaraguan public employees and supporters of the ruling democratic socialist Sandinista National Liberation Front, or FSLN, marched through the streets of this capital in support of President Daniel Ortega, who is seeking a third consecutive term in office in November’s general elections.

Friday’s march, which was organized by the ruling party’s official youth group, was part of activities to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the popular uprising that toppled the four-decade-long Somoza dictatorship in the late 1970s.

Those participating in the march, which blocked traffic in some points of Managua, were unanimous in calling for Ortega to be re-elected once again on Nov. 6.

Demonstrators chanted “We Stand with Daniel” and waved FSLN flags amid the sounds of protest music and with groups of singers and musicians creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

Nicaraguan athletes, including former boxing champions Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga and Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago, also took part in the march.

National Police officers protected the perimeter of the march, which began near Central American University in Managua and unfolded without incident along its two-kilometer (1.2-mile) route to the “Bolivar to Chavez” roundabout.

On June 4, the 70-year-old Ortega was proclaimed as the FSLN’s presidential candidate for the seventh consecutive time. The former Sandinista guerrilla leader will be seeking a fourth term as president overall and his third consecutive term in office since 2007.

The ruling FSLN has 65 percent of voter preference ahead of the November elections, according to the latest survey by local polling firm M&R Consultores.

The main opposition National Coalition for Democracy recently decided against participating in elections, calling them a “farce” after two court rulings that changed the legal status of its main grouping, the Independent Liberal Party, or PLI, and effectively barred it from participating in the balloting.

Nicaraguans will go to the polls on Nov. 6 to elect a president, vice president, 90 national lawmakers and 20 Central American Parliament members. EFE

Managua, Jul 16 (EFE)