In 2015，President Ortega retained firm control of public institutions and was expected to win a third consecutive term. The Nicaraguan government unveiled and approved the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment（ESIA）for the proposed Nicaragua Canal megaproject. However，the construction was delayed as a result of social protests and uncertainties about financial viability. Nicaragua maintained economic growth momentum. The government made significant progress in women’s rights and the country has been ranked as one of the most gender-equal countries in the world. Nicaragua maintained close relationship with Venezuela，and ties with the US were improving，but its relations with Costa Rica remained strained.