SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, (Reuters) – Costa Ricans voted yesterday in an election that could see Laura Chinchilla, a protege of Nobel peace laureate President Oscar Arias, become the nation’s first female leader.
Chinchilla, who would follow Arias’ policies in the stable Central American nation, expanding free-trade accords and courting foreign investment, led polls before the vote. But a spurt by upstart conservative Otto Guevara could cut her lead short of the 40 percent she needs to avoid a runoff.
Organizers reported a brisk turnout at polling stations, which closed at 6 p.m. (0000 GMT). Preliminary results are due to be released from 8 p.m.
Arias’ vice president before she stepped down to campaign, Chinchilla was bolstered by Costa Rica’s relatively smooth passage through the global economic crisis. Rivals pushing for a change of leadership style saw a late surge in support, however.
