Costa Rica elects first female president
Monday 08 February 2010
Printable
EmailCosta Ricans elected the country's first ever female president at the weekend despite a last-minute surge by a leftist opposition candidate.
Ruling National Liberation Party candidate Laura Chinchilla won 48 per cent of the vote, exceeding the 40 per cent needed to avoid a second-round run-off which would have pitted her against left unity candidate Otton Solis, who got 28 per cent.
Ms Chinchilla vowed to continue Costa Rica's neoliberal policies, but her celebration in the capital San Jose was tempered by her party's failure to gain a majority in Congress.
"With this election we have made history," announced Ms Chinchilla, who will be only the fifth Latin American woman to serve as president when she takes office in May.
"The Costa Rican people have given me their confidence and I will not betray it," she declared.
If you have enjoyed this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep publishing your paper.
Editorial
Tinkering at the edges
Tory backing for the snarling City response to widespread criticism of boardroom excess could further isolate the coalition government.
Features
All prawn and no brains...
Jacqui Smith's bizarre call to get schmoozing with the City
How the left is getting set for election time
The campaign to re-elect Chavez