Since gaining independence in 1841, El Salvador in Central America saw a succession of military autocracies and coups d'etat. In 1980 leftist groups formed the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) and guerrilla activities became frequent. Following the signing of the 1992 peace agreement between the government and FMLN, presidential, vice-presidential and legislative elections were held in 1994. The United Nations established the United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) to observe the human rights situation, disengagement and elections.