The outstanding models for Nicaraguan direct democracy are the 'Communal Councils' of Venezuela

"The outstanding models for Nicaraguan direct democracy are the 'Communal Councils' of Venezuela, and the 'Popular Power' assemblies of Cuba. In the Venezuelan system, families and organizations are brought together in local communities to form community councils to work on issues of direct concern to them and to elect councils. Each council leader has a designated role, such as education, culture, citizen security, science, etc."