MANAGUA: Thousands of pro-and-anti-government protesters took to the streets of Nicaragua’s capital yesterday, protesting and backing President Daniel Ortega’s bid to remain in power.

At least 12 people were injured—three policemen and nine protesters—and some vehicles were damaged, according to political leaders and media. Chanting “Democracy yes, dictatorship no!” mainly peaceful Ortega opponents numbered at 50,000 by organisers marched in Managua against his controversial re-election plans, even as thousands of the president’s supporters gathered for their own demonstration.

Most of the injuries occurred when Ortega opponents, walking on the roads out of the city after their rally, clashed with government supporters who were converging for their own march, the political leaders and local reports said.

Security was heavy in the capital following provocative gestures earlier in the week by both sides which suggested there could be clashes between the two demonstrating groups when they march in the city.

Addressing pro-government marchers, Ortega made an appeal for calm, telling his opponents: “We don’t expect you to say that you love us, but simply use your head... instability and confrontation is not the way to go.” Many in the opposition event waved blue and white Nicaragua national flags. They included supporters of opposition political parties, thousands of whom flooded into the city from the countryside to protest, as well as business groups and representatives of the powerful Catholic church