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.
Dark horse candidate Luis Guillermo Solís of the Citizen Action Party delighted supporters and shocked opponents as he tallied more support than any of the other 12 presidential candidates, forcing the election into an April 6 runoff, the second in the country’s history. Analysts see his performance as an indication that Ticos are looking for change, but not too much.
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.
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.
Costa Rica's Supreme Elections Tribunal began releasing preliminary results in the country's presidential and legislative elections soon after 8 p.m. By 9 p.m. supporters of Citizen Action Party (PAC) candidate Luis Guillermo Solís had reason to celebrate, as the candidate who placed third or fourth in most of the country's polls showed a strong showing in the actual vote, moving into first place.
As the sun began to set on Costa Rica's 2014 elections, supporters lined the Inter-American Highway in San Pedro, east of San José, cheering wildly and honking their horns: Beep beep beep, BEEP. Beep beep beep, BEEP. Helicopters flew over. Car alarms sounded. Strangers smiled at each other, gave high fives and hugged, despite the colors of the flags they held. In Costa Rica, election time is also a celebration of democracy.
