Historically, Nicaragua had a two-party system, with varying two dominant political parties. The 2006 general election could have marked the end of the bipartite scheme, as the anti-Sandinista forces split into two major political alliances: the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN) and the Constitutionalist Liberal Party (PLC).
Four parties and alliances currently hold seats in the National Assembly:
Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN) a
Alliance for the Republic (APRE) a
Alternative for Change (AC) a
Sandinista Renovation Movement (MRS) a
Central American Unionist Party (PUCA) a
Communist Party of Nicaragua (PCdeN) a
Christian Democratic Union (UDC) a
Christian Unity Movement (MUC) a
Conservative Party (PC) a
Ecologist Green Party of Nicaragua (PVEN) a
Great Liberal Union (GUL)
Liberal Alliance (AL) a
Marxist-Leninist Popular Action Movement (MAP-ML) a
New Liberal Party (PALI) a
Nicaraguan Party of the Christian Path (CCN) a
Nicaraguan Resistance Party (PRN) a
Nicaraguan Socialist Party (PSN) a
Party for Citizen Action (PAC) a
Popular Conservative Alliance (APC) a
a = active
Christian Alternative Party (AC)
Conservative Action Movement (MAC)
Conservative Alliance (ALCON) a
Democratic Conservative Party (PCD)
Democratic Party of National Confidence (PDCN)
Independent Liberal Party for National Unity (PLIUN) a
Liberal Salvation Movement (MSL)
National Action Party (PAN)
National Conservative Action (ANC)
National Conservative Unity Party (PUNC)
National Democratic Party (PND)
National Project (PRONAL)
National Unity Movement (MUN) a
Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN) a
Popular Social Christian Party (PPSC)
Revolutionary Unity Movement (MUR)
Revolutionary Workers' Party (PRT)
Social Christian Party (PSC) a
Social Conservative Party (PSC)
Social Democratic Party (PSD) a
Unity Alliance (AU)
UNO-96 Alliance (UNO-96)
Up with the Republic a
a = active
Authentic Costeño Autonomy Movement (MAAC)
Coast Alliance (Alianza Costeña)
Coast People’s Party (PPC)
Costeño Democratic Alliance (ADECO)
Multiethnic Indigenist Party (PIM)
Multiethnic Party for Coast Unity (PAMUC) a
Yapti Tasba Masraka Nanih Aslatakanka (YATAMA) a
a = active
National Opposition Union (UNO)
1966 National Opposition Union (UNO)
Democratic Party
Legitimist Party
Nationalist Liberal Party (Partido Liberal Nacionalista, PLN)
Traditional Conservative Party (Partido Conservador Tradicionalista, PCT)
Civic Association of Potosí (ACP)
Sol Association (Asociación Sol)
Viva Managua Movement (Movimiento Viva Managua)
