The 19 MPs from the National Liberation Party (PLN), six from the Broad Front and an equal number from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) collectively garnered 31 votes – more than the required 28 – ending a week-long political struggle and 77 days without a person responsible for this important unit.
Thousands of Ticos are turning to the ombudsman when they believe their rights have been violated, so more than 3,400 residents have appealed since the beginning of this year.
The Defender has a duty to protect the rights and interests of residents and to ensure 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 “.
Presenting Cruickshank’s proposal, PLN MP Katherine Moreira pointed out that after processes of discussion, analysis, dialogue and reflection on what is most beneficial for Costa Rica, today before this legislative plenary session, I will propose the name of a woman, an Afro offspring.
He argued that the party’s nominee for the post spent the next four years dedicating her professional career to the promotion and defense of human rights at the national, regional and international levels.
Cruickshank, 42, has a master’s degree in international law and human rights and is the daughter of former Congressman Lincoln Cruichshank and niece of also former lawmaker Eduardo Cruickshank, who served in the Legislative Assembly from 2018-2022 and chaired it from 2020-2021 about congress.
Also notable on her resume is that she has served as a legislative adviser and was voted one of the 100 most influential people of African descent under the age of 40 in the world in 2019.
Broad Front MP Antonio Ortega assured that his bank announced its support for Cruickshank because he meets the capacity and needs given his experience and specialization in human rights and an extensive resume working in social organizations.
For his part, PLP Group leader Eli Feinzaig claimed that Cruickshank has been an outside human rights defender, has that experience and can lead the Ombudsman to the representation we all aspire to and strive for in order to bring peace to this institution very divided. jcm/ale