Carlos Alvarado wins Costa Rica’s presidency in a landslide

With 90.6 percent of votes recorded at press time, Carlos Alvarado has won the presidency of Costa Rica with 60.7 percent of the vote, over 39.3 percent for Fabricio Alvarado.

The unexpected landslide marks a historic moment for Costa Rica, which has seen itself unusually divided in recent months over marriage equality, an issue on which the two candidates had opposing views and that took center stage following the Inter-American Human Rights Court’s ruling in early January that its member countries, including Costa Rica, must provide equal rights for same-sex couples.

Many of the latest polls showed the candidates in a statistical dead heat, with others showing Fabricio Alvarado with the lead.

Roberto Delgado Webb captured the scene immediately following the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) announcement. Stay tuned for more on this developing story

Roberto Delgado Webb @delgadowebb / The Tico Times

Supporters of Carlos Alvarado celebrate in San Pedro, San José, Costa Rica, on April 1, 2018. Roberto Delgado Webb @delgadowebb / The Tico Times