With more than 95 percent of the counted tables, the politician from the Social Democratic Progressive Party (PSD) is in the lead with 52.9 percent
In his first message as President-elect, Rodrigo Chaves asked the opposition to help build a miracle in Costa Rica. (Photo: Reuters)
The economist Rodrigo Chaves will become the new president of Costa Rica after the elections this Sunday and the defeat of his rival José María Figueres.
With more than 95 percent of the counted tables, the politician from the Social Democratic Progressive Party (PSD) is in the lead with 52.9 percent, while his opponent from the National Liberation Party (PLN) has 47.1 percent.
In his first message, the President-elect promoted the union and asked for the support of the opposition.
“I’m sending a message to José Maria (Figueres) and to all the people who voted for him. I congratulate him on his nobility and ask Don José and his party to work together,” he said. “I ask that we all unite under the blue, white and red of our national symbol, the flag,” he added.
Chaves also spoke directly to the thousands of Costa Ricans who did not vote this Sunday in a second ballot marked by abstention.
“Unfortunately, the tough campaign we have witnessed has resulted in abstention from voting for the largest political party in Costa Rica. This is a sad reality that we must understand and accept. That doesn’t mean those compatriots who didn’t vote don’t love Costa Rica or its democracy. They are probably the most critical and concerned about the country’s future, who wanted to shake the conscience of the ruling class in an exercise in authentic democracy,” he said.
According to the electoral court, there was an abstention rate of 42.85% this Sunday, even more than in the first ballot, which was a record even then. 3.5 million Costa Ricans were invited to the polls.
Chaves said he will take it as a “warning” that will encourage him to push for a “new consensus” to “restore their trust.”
For his part, Figueres conceded victory to his opponent earlier in the evening.
“I congratulate Rodrigo Chaves and wish him well,” he said. “Costa Rica voted and the people spoke. We as Democrats will always respect that decision,” added Figueres, who was president in 1994.
The industrial engineer told a group of supporters his country was living in a “state of emergency”. Against this background, he called on the union and indicated that it was ready “to help save Costa Rica”.
“I still think Costa Rica is in deep crisis,” he said. “In the face of this crisis and emergency, it is time to leave a message of antagonism, hatred and division and among us all to move forward and put differences aside,” he commented.
The country held the second round of presidential elections this Sunday after no candidate received 40% of the votes needed for the post in the first round in February.
The elections came at a time when the Central American country is experiencing an erosion of its welfare economy.
According to a University of Costa Rica poll, unemployment and the economy were the top concerns of Costa Ricans (29.1% and 17.8%, respectively), well ahead of corruption (10.6%), which Carlos Alvarado, the President, the leaves power, which reduced his popularity to a minimum.
Faced with these problems, Costa Ricans placed their faith in Chaves.
