Long Lines at Costa Rica Voting Stations but No Surprises
At the Laura Chinchilla visitor center for voters in Heredia Costa Rica is filled with supporters and voters. The crowds are peaceful and mostly holding Partido Liberacion Nacional banners and flags which are green and white. Local television news has extensive coverage and is very much aware of the inevitable outcome of the presidential elections 2010.
Local news is covering the regional locations where supporters of Laura Chinchilla for President have swamped and with good cheer. The lines at some voting stations are very long but the weather in Costa Rica today is mild which helps keep the crowds relaxed. Costa Ricans have a long history of this type of voting since Don “Pepe” Figueres restored Costa Rica to the people and created the second republic in 1948.
Local television has also been setting up stations outside voting locations with a traditional Speak Out or what the Costa Ricans call “QUEJESE” where voters walk up to a microphone being recorded by the television station. Most of the comments are in good spirits but many are complaining that promises made my politicians are not being kept and that they hope things will change. Prostitution and street drugs were raised a number of times by serious voters while the surrounding crowds laughed or belittled the speaker as someone who is a complainer.
Another issue for voters is the format in which Costa Rica sets up qualifications for voting. Where the voter registers or grows up is the location where they are only allowed to vote. Therefore, the political parties arrange for car pools and volunteers to shuttle voters to their voting booths. This requirement is also an opportunity for news reporters to stake out locations where known celebrities must show up to vote. Singers and actresses are among the Costa Rican interviewed. Finally, another nice touch that the TSE has implemented is using Anti Bacteria alcohol washes prior to voters handling ink pens to prevent the spread of infection at the stations.
Otherwise, this is a historic day in Costa Rica as voters elect the first female president into office. This is also the first time that a female has been on the ticket for any political party. Laura Chinchilla’s campaign has been long in the making and is finally over. We will provide continuing coverage as news comes in.
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