Published: 2:57 p.m.

Widespread violence has broken out across Managua and other parts of the country following the most recent vote count from the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) that gave a significant advantage to the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), including a 5-point lead in the contest for mayor of Managua.

Nationwide, with 69 percent of the vote counted, the FSLN is leading or has won in 94 municipalities, followed by the Liberal Constitutional Party (PLC) with 46 mayoral seats, and the Nicaraguan Liberal Alliance (ALN) with 2.

PLC candidate Eduardo Montealgre had already declared victory in the Managua mayoral race and called on his supporters to take to the streets to defend the vote. He later called for calm, but the violence had already swelled.

By 2:30 p.m., large bands of party loyalists from the PLC and FSLN were clashing throughout the city in urban warfare that was advancing block by block through neighborhoods, according to Nicaraguan TV news broadcasts. Police have yet to get the violence under control as masked party fanatics throw rocks at each other, vandalize property and block off streets armed with machetes and clubs.

Terrorized residents locked in their homes are frantically calling the Nicaraguan TV stations, some yelling for help and crying in fear.

President Daniel Ortega has made no public appearances or calls for calm.