In 2012, Ortega started his third term as Nicaraguan President. The ruling party Sandinista won the majority in the municipal elections, which consolidated his power. As a result of discrepancies, the opposition parties failed to form a coalition. With adverse impact of international economy, Nicaragua experienced lower economic growth. The community security model implemented by the Ortega government has greatly improved public security. Nicaragua maintained its close relationship with Venezuela, but produced some dispute with Colombia over the sovereign of islands. Nicaragua-US relations and its relations with EU are also to be strengthened. <<