A special day for Costa Rica’s enduring democracy

In case future expats do not know, Costa Rica is the longest-standing democracy in Latin America since the late 1940s. This democratic tradition began with the abolition of the country’s military. No other country south of the border can make this claim.

Ticos (Costa Ricans) are extremely proud of this achievement and every four years celebrate election day as if it was one huge party. This February 6th was no different. The country’s people took over the streets and polling places to exercise their right to vote. The country’s national flag and those of its different political parties emblazoned bridges, homes, and almost every other imaginable place on this very special day. Some enthusiastic ticos even draped themselves in flags to demonstrate their fervor. Many adorned their vehicles with flags and honked incessantly as they drove around the country’s streets. Not even a pandemic put a damper on this lively patriotic celebration.

Being a Costa Rican citizen I am proud to have voted in the last 5 presidential elections.

One-time president Jose Maria Figueres won the primary by an ample margin in Sunday’s presidential election. Former finance minister, Rodrigo Chaves, surprisingly finished in second place and will face Figueres in the final election on April 3rd . The results should prove to be very interesting since many are clamoring for a change from the country’s traditional political parties (Figueres).

In addition to its wonderful people, a near-perfect climate, unparalleled natural beauty, and many intangibles, Costa Rica’s peaceful legacy is just one of the many reasons foreigners feel comfortable relocating here.

¡Pura vida!