Centre-left candidate Carlos Alvarado wins Costa Rica presidency after promising to allow same-sex marriage
‘We sent a beautiful democratic message’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Costa Rica’s governing party has secured a big presidential election victory as many voters rejected an evangelical pastor who had jumped into political prominence by campaigning against same-sex marriage.
The head of the supreme electoral council Luis Antonio Sobrado said that with 95 per cent of ballots counted, Carlos Alvarado of the ruling Citizens’ Action Party had 60.8 per cent of the votes in the runoff election. His opponent, Fabricio Alvarado of the National Restoration party, had 39.2 percent. The two men are not related.
Fabricio Alvarado rose from being a political unknown to the leading candidate in the election’s first round in February after he came out strongly against a call by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights for Costa Rica to allow same-sex marriage.
Carlos Alvarado, a novelist and former labour minister who finished second to get the final spot in the runoff, spoke in favour of letting gay people wed.
The victor tweeted: “Let’s celebrate our 200 years of Independence with a government worthy and up to date with the times. Today, the world is watching us and we sent a beautiful democratic message.”
Recent opinion polls had said the candidates were running head-to-head going into the runoff, but in the end Mr Alvarado had an easy win.
In a speech to supporters, Fabricio Alvarado conceded defeat but said he had managed to raise the banner of “principles and values”.
He said: “We are not sad, because we made history, because our message touched the country’s deepest nerves.”
The two share similarities beyond their family name. Both have backgrounds in journalism and both have recorded music – Fabricio Alvarado as a gospel singer and Carlos Alvardo as a college-age rock’n’roller.
Both candidates also had economic advisers who take a conservative approach to economics, favouring the free market and calling for a reduction in the size of government.
Voter Maria Rodriguez said she supported Carlos Alvarado because she rejected his rival’s homophobic discourse and does not believe the evangelical candidate was qualified to be president.
Rodrigo Lopez said Fabricio Alvarado was his choice because Costa Rica should maintain its traditional values and he is tired of the ruling party’s corruption.
Associated Press
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments