Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Jose (Agenzia Fides) – In Costa Rica, for the first time a woman was elected to lead the country. Laura Chinchilla Miranda, topping the polls, managed to climb the last step. In fact, from 2006 to 2008 she had been the First Vice-President of the Administration of Oscar Arias (Nobel Peace Prize 1987). Representative of the “Partido de Liberación Nacional” (PLN), a left-wing party, won 47% of the votes against 24% of the left-center candidate Otton Solis. The newly elected President, age 50, has called for dialogue with her political opponents and the different social sectors, promising to continue the policies of her predecessor Arias: improving the quality of health, education, security, and ensure support for marriage.
Her official presentation took place on November 28, 2009, during the "March of the Life and Family", supported by the Catholic Church, in which 50,000 people demonstrated against abortion and gay marriage. Her presence caused amazement among both the majority and opposition. During the campaign, the presidential candidate visited 3 radio stations, including "La Paz del dial," and in one of the programs said: "My vision is to promote life. I do not understand how there are parents who teach their children to respect animals, but then they are capable of sacrificing a human life."
Yesterday, Sunday, February 7, Election Day, Archbishop Hugo Barrantes Ureña of San José, President of the Bishops' Conference, celebrated at 7:00 Mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral to which all candidates for election were invited. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/02/2010)
