[1] Subsequently, the PLI met in a convention in León and ratified the choice of an elderly Liberal, Dr. Enoc Aguado, as the presidential candidate of the two parties.
Since Somoza relied considerably on the Nicaraguan Socialist Party for support, the Communists began to press him for influence within the government.
[5] The 23 February elections were free of violence, but not government-inspired fraud, which enabled Leonardo Argüello Barreto to win by 39,900 votes.
"Once in office, Leonardo Argüello Barreto proceeded to effect changes in personnel, moves that sought to undermine Somoza's hold on the bureaucracy and the Guardia Nacional.
The breaking point between the two men came when the Congress, firmly under Somoza's control, proceeded to appoint the three 'designados a la presidencia,' who would be directly in line to replace the president should he leave office.