Managua - Plans for a huge rally Saturday in Managua against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and counterdemonstrations by Sandinista government supporters raised concerns about possible street clashes.

Opposition parties with representatives in Congress and several civic movements announced a demonstration against what they consider the dictatorial ways of the left-wing Sandinista leader.

The opposition organizers changed its originally planned route to avoid the Sandinistas. They charge Ortega intends to use force to suppress free expression as part of his alleged plans to install a dictatorship.

On Wednesday, Ortega urged his own supporters - who were organizing their own rally - to practice non-violence.

Roman Catholic organizations have called for moderation to prevent bloodshed. (dpa)