Ex-finance minister elected president of Costa Rica
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — A former finance minister who surprised many by making it into Costa Rica’s presidential runoff has easily won the election and is to become the Central American country’s new leader next month while still fending off accusations of sexual harassment when he worked at the World Bank.
With nearly all polling stations reporting late Sunday, conservative economist Rodrigo Chaves had 53% of the vote, compared to 47% for former President José Figueres Ferrer, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal said.
More than 42% of eligible voters did not participate, an unusually low turnout for the country, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm Costa Ricans had for the candidates.
In his victory speech, Chaves called for unity to address problems like unemployment and a soaring budget deficit.
“For me this is not a medal nor a trophy, but rather an enormous responsibility heaped with challenges and difficulties that we will all resolve,” he said.
“Costa Rica, the best is to come!” Chaves said before celebrating supporters. His inauguration is scheduled for May 8.
Figueres conceded defeat less than an hour after results began to come in. He had led the first round of voting Feb. 6, with Chaves in second that day. Neither had come close to the 40% of the vote needed to avoid a runoff.
Figueres congratulated Chaves and wished him the best, adding that he continues to believe that Costa Rica is in a “deep crisis” and he is willing to help it recover.
Figueres, who was Costa Rica’s president from 1994 to 1998, represents the National Liberation Party like his father, three-time president José Figueres Ferrer. Chaves served briefly in the administration of outgoing President Carlos Alvarado and represents the Social Democratic Progress Party.