In this discussion with Club de Prensa, Associate Director Eric L. Olson comments on the results of the first round of the Costa Rican presidential election and the implications for the second round.
Asked about whether the surprising results are due to inaccurate polling or are representative of a real shift in intentions among voters, Olson notes the importance of a growing feeling among many Costa Ricans that they are not represented by the traditional parties. According to Olson, Costa Ricans are looking for an alternative to the these parties.
Olson also notes that the recent results indicate voter interest in alternatives, but also a rejection of the status quo and the government of current President Chinchilla. In addition, Olson observes that voter absention is often due to a lack of confidence that their vote will make a difference. However, he believes that ultimately in this election Costa Ricans voting for an alternative is the key factor which could decide the second round of the election.
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