Probably... Maybe... Epsy...

Megan Schillinger

So, I don’t really know what to look forward to seeing in the Costa Rican political scene. I honestly don’t think that politics are that exciting but I guess it would be pretty cool to see the similarities and differences between the politics of Costa Rica and the politics of the United States.

The National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Citizens Action Party (PAC) are the major political parties in Costa Rica. The PLN was founded in 1948 by Jose Figueres and is currently the leading party with Oscar Arias as president and Laura Chinchilla is a possible president for next year. The PAC was only founded in 2001 by Otton Solis and their possibly president for next year is Epsy Campbell. Both parties support something different and the PLN is the more conservative party while the PAC is the more liberal party who supports change.

Costa Rica has been in existence for a long time. In 1948 there was a Civil War that changed everything. It only lasted for about 50 days but many people were killed and it was one of the worst wars they have ever seen. After the war, Jose Figueres decided it would be a good idea to get rid of an army and since then they haven’t had an army or taken part in any war.

Oscar Arias is in power today with the National Liberation Party. I guess he is viewed pretty well by the Ticos if he is in power at the moment.

Epsy Campbell is a possible PAC presidential candidate for next year. She must fit pretty well into the scene if there is a chance that she may be next year’s president!She’s probably viewed pretty well by the Ticos. I’ve heard more about her than I’ve heard about Laura Chinchilla so, at the moment, I’m guessing that the Ticos prefer her over PLN for president.