MONDAY MUSINGS have me a bit surprised this am in Costa Rica as I walked by a couple of schools yesterday where voters were lining up for voting. Yes, on a Sunday, no less to ensure citizens could cast their vote for one of the 40 presidential candidates. In my mind I had no doubt there would be a runoff with so many contenders but I and many Costa Ricans werre surprised to learn differently.
For the last 2 weeks I have heard the political candidate's cars with flashing lights and blaring political jargon ambling through our INVU neighborhood here in Quepos at all times of the day. How could there not be a runoff with so many political contenders?
Yet, the voters have spoken and it was a big win (48-50% ) for the right-wing Sovereign People's party candidate, Laura Fernandez, a hand-picked successor to outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. I had seen her a couple times speaking on tv interviews at 39 years young she is well spoken, attractive and spoke to the issues that TICOS are concerned about, the rising drug-related crime and violence.
Cocaine trafficking is on the rise here and she promised to be tough. She also promised to work on security for their economy. One thing voters were worried about if she will work towards allowing consecutive terms for Presidents. Interesting as the U.S.'s present President wants to discontinue our 2 term policy to unlimited whereas Costa Rica has only ever allowed one term.
