Former Public Security Minister Fernando Berrocal announced last week that he would run for president in 2010, deepening fissures within the government’s National Liberation Party (PLN).
Berrocal resigned under pressure in March after he said the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have ties to Costa Rican politicians, a statement that angered President Oscar Arias.
Some 20 months remain until the 2010 presidential elections, but would-be candidates already crowd PLN’s field. Arias appears to support Vice President Laura Chinchilla, who has not yet announced her candidacy.
Other aspirants include San José Mayor Johnny Araya and prodigal son Antonio Álvarez, who rejoined PLN in January after spending 39 months with the Union for Change Party (UPC).
