President Daniel Ortega will seek re-election to a third consecutive term in November, this time with his wife, Rosario Murillo, on the ticket as vice president in a contest from which Nicaragua’s main opposition was pushed aside by government maneuvers.

The 70-year-old Ortega filed papers Tuesday with the national elections commission to run for a fourth term as president.

Polls show the ruling Sandinistas are on track to keep their hold on power.

Opposition politicians contend that Ortega not only wants to implement one-party rule in the Central American country, but to create a new dynasty 37 years after the end of the 1937-1979 Somoza regime.

“There was a discussion about who would be the vice president to continue the good administration of this country. Had to be a woman, and who would be better than comrade Rosario Murillo who has worked efficiently, with discipline and dedication,” Ortega told supporters at the election commission.

Nicaraguan media outlets and EFE were not allowed to cover the rally, which was broadcast on television stations allied with the government.

The Sandinista leader said he chose his wife for the ticket because “there’s a need to be coherent.”

Ortega will face five challengers from small opposition parties on Nov. 6, when Nicaraguans will vote for a president, vice president, 90 National Assembly members and 20 Central American Parliament representatives. EFE