In the run-up to Costa Rica's April 6 presidential runoff, the final two candidates are now battling for endorsements from the country's former leaders.
After days of private meetings with National Liberation Party (PLN) mandarins, presidential candidate Johnny Araya re-emerged to restart his campaign Wednesday in a meeting with Costa Rica’s Catholic bishops.
After a disappointing finish in the first round of the Costa Rican national elections by the National Liberation Party, and the surprise victory of Luis Guillermo Solís, there is much to keep PLN presidential candidate Johnny Araya tossing and turning in his bed.
Less than a week after his presidential campaign concluded, José María Villalta gave a wide-ranging postmortem interview with La Nación on the election, the upcoming runoff and his future.
Politicians have vied for the highest office in Costa Rica since the 19th century, showcasing their intelligence, leadership, and charisma for all to see. But one presidential skill remains untested: the ability to dance.
National Liberation Party candidate Johnny Araya still has a shot to win Costa Rica's presidency. His campaign will have two months to swing the tide in his favor before the April 6 runoff against rival Luis Guillermo Solís. But right now it's hard to figure out which was more incredible: Solís' unbelievable comeback or Araya's fall.
With 9 percent of votes counted by the Supreme Elections Tribunal at 8:30 p.m. Sunday night, the ruling PLN candidate Johnny Araya had what seemed a commanding lead – 36.24 percent, followed by Citizen Action Party candidate Luis Guillermo Solís, with 22.8 percent. It was all downhill from there.
Centrist presidential candidate Luis Guillermo Solís will battle ruling party candidate Johnny Araya in an April runoff after Solís shocked many in this small Central American country by taking first place in preliminary results released late Sunday night.
