Costa Ricans vote in presidential runoff elections

Costa Rica, Apr 04: Voters in Costa Rica headed to the polls on Sunday in the second round of presidential elections.

Opinion polls ahead of the vote put former Finance Minister Rodrigo Chaves slightly ahead of former President Jose Maria Figueres.

Costa Ricans are casting their ballots amid a growing economic crisis, and citizens are frustrated by recent public corruption scandals, another surge of COVID-19 infections and poor economic conditions.

Two scandal-tainted presidential contenders

Both candidates have managed to beat off rival contenders to reach the final stage of the presidential polls despite previous scandals clouding their campaigns.

Figueres, who represents the National Liberation Party, was president of the country from 1994 to 1998 and has been investigated for allegedly accepting $900,000 (€814,000) from French firm Alcatel. Figueres has focused on the economy in his campaign.

"In the economic agenda, unemployment is the most important, the creation of employment opportunities is the priority," Figueres said.

Chaves is from the right-wing Social Democratic Progress Party and at one point had been minister of finance. He has been investigated for sexual harassment during his time as a senior official at the World Bank and was demoted from his position. Chaves has also focused on the economy and job creation.

"The urgent themes to address are the ones causing discomfort and suffering to the people," Chaves said, adding that among the key issues were "first the lack of jobs. Secondly the cost of living."

Costa Rica witnessing worst recession in decades

Costa Rica is experiencing its worst recession in four decades brought on by the global pandemic.

Unemployment sat at around 14.4% in 2021 and there is a high level of inequality. About 23% of the Costa Rican population lives in poverty.

Source: DW