Unique Politics

Allison Peters

In Latin American studies class we have been studying Costa Rica’s politics for several weeks now since we are preparing to interview two serious candidates in the upcoming presidential election.

Before we began looking deeply into Costa Rica politics, we first learned a little background with their history. A very long time ago, Costa Rica was an independent country, with native people developing in their own ways. However in the 1500’s Costa Rica was suddenly invaded by the conquistadors. With the spread of violence and disease, many native people diminished in size. For the next couple hundred years natives were often enslaved by the conquistadors and their descendants, and a new country was being created. Finally in 1821, Costa Rica broke away from this control by becoming an independent republic. Many struggles occurred during this time and their flag was changed several times. Corrupted Elections prevented democracy, and the citizens were enraged against the government. Finally, in 1948, a civil war broke lose after many years of suppressed anger, and almost a 1,000 lives were lost. The Civil War lasted roughly one month, and led to the abolishment of their army, and the creation of the National Liberation Party (PLN). The PLN was the main political party in Costa Rica for many decades, and went without any serious rivals until December of 2000 in which the Citizens Action Party (PAC) was then founded. The country now values honest elections, diplomacy, and education.

The two major political parties in Costa Rica are the National Liberation Party (PLN), and the Citizens Action Party(PAC). The National Liberation Party was founded after the Civil War in 1948 by Jose Figueres Ferrer. They tend to be a more conservative party who likes democratic traditions. The PLN supports development, political stability, and capitalism. They also approve of state intervention and liberty. This is the party that nationalized health care and education. Oscar Arias, who is the current president, is okay with CAFTA. While in Costa Rica we may be interviewing Laura Chinchilla, who is running for presidency in the 2010 elections.

The second major political party is the Citizens Action Party (PAC) founded in December 2000 by Otton Solis, a former economist. Although they are a young party, they have become increasing popular over the years. In the 2006 elections Otton Solis took almost 32 percent of the votes, being the serious competitor to PLN. The PAC is the more liberal of the two parties, who often support change in the country. However, they do not support CAFTA. Epsy Campbell, a possible candidate for the 2010 elections will be our interviewee while in Costa Rica.

Oscar Arias, winner of the Nobel Peace prize, is the current president of Costa Rica. I think that he is viewed as a hero by some of the citizens, and others are starting to question his actions since he recently voted to allow reelection, and then was the first to become reelected. However, over all, I think Ticos take honor in their government, and believe it is honest and fair. I’m sure not everyone agrees with every policy, but I think that in general they are grateful for their government and think they hear the people’s voices.

Epsy Campbell is the possible presidential candidate who represents PAC. If she is victorious, she will be the first Afro-Costa Rican female president. Before getting involved in politics, she used to be a social-activist. I think that she is a very unique and inspirational person in the political scene. From what I have learned, it seems as if she defies odds and has climbed mountains on her way to presidential candidacy. I think besides her being an Afro-Costa Rican female, her personality stands out as well. She always stay true to her beliefs and keeps the citizens in mind. I think that she is viewed highly by the Ticos as inspiration to many; sort of how Obama is viewed in America. Although there are doubts if she will earn the spot of presidential candidate, since I have heard so much more about Campbell than Chinchilla, I think that she is more popular among the citizens.