This important position has been vacant since Catalina Crespo’s term ended last December, but lawmakers are unable to agree on the various candidates and are using this election as a political battle between the various parties represented in Congress.
For this Monday’s election, the President of the Legislative Assembly, Rodrigo Arias, announced that the debate will last two hours and then the vote will take place, which will be public for the first time in history.
This defender is committed to protecting the rights and interests of residents and ensuring that the operation of the public sector conforms “with morality, justice, the political constitution, laws, agreements, treaties, pacts signed by the government and the general principles of law “.
In statements to Teletica.com, political analyst Sergio Araya pointed out that the election of the defense attorney is being used as a pretext to revive debates on old issues and to highlight power struggles within the legislature.
“Although they (the defense counsel) have a so-called authority of influence and the law obliges public bodies to respond to the Ombudsman’s requests, particularly in relation to the state, these remarks are not binding, but they carry a very significant symbolic weight,” he claimed.
He added that it is not the same for an administrator to make a complaint as it is for the Ombudsman, or that he is a contributor to a proceeding rather than an individual or a group, which is why it is an important or relevant body.
For his part, the political scientist Claudio Alpízar pointed out that one should not look for a person who, because of his qualities and qualities, can defend the most vulnerable parts of society, those who are doing very badly, or the most humble people.
So, he implied, a battle is being sparked out of an instance that should be for all, someone is being sought for a few, a battle between those who identify themselves as progressive and those who feel conservative about specifics problems and not the big national problems.
“That’s the big problem for me, and it gives me the impression that having someone in the ombudsman’s office is a crown for some parties,” Alpízar said.
Choosing the new defender or defender requires a simple majority, half plus one of the MPs present, and if elected this Monday will end 77 days without this vital position for Costa Ricans.
jf/ale