Libertarian Wins in Costa Rica

In the February 3 national election, Movimiento Libertario candidates polled about 10% of the vote, according to news reports.

Under the country's complex proportional representation system, at least four Libertarian candidates will win seats in the 57-member national Legislative Assembly -- up from the one seat Movimiento Libertario controlled before the election.

Libertarians have confirmed victories in San Jose province (two), Heredia province, and Cartago province.

Votes are still being counted to determine whether Movimiento Libertario will win additional seats in Alajuela province and Puntarenas province.

The strong showing by Movimiento Libertario in the congressional race will set the stage for more victories in the future, said ML member Juan Carlos Hidalgo.

"Costa Rican pundits are very excited, and predict that if the Movimiento Libertario plays its cards right, they could [help] form the next government in 2004, and [top ML congressman] Otto Guevara could be president of Costa Rica within a decade," he said.

This election, however, Guevara apparently finished fourth in the presidential race, with about 1.68% of the vote.

Guevara helped found Movimiento Libertario in 1996, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1998. He was named the country's "best congressman" in three national surveys of journalists, and in six polls of Costa Rican voters.

In the presidential race, neither of the two largest party's candidates won a majority of the vote. A run-off election between the Social Christian Unity Party and the National Liberation Party candidates will be held in April.

TheNewsMexico.com reported that Movimiento Libertario "made great strides in the election" and has become a force "to be reckoned with."

Movimiento Libertario's election triumphs also drew praise from the International Society for Individual Liberty.

"Our congratulations to everyone in the Movimiento Libertario for the success gained from their dedication and hard work," said Jim Elwood, ISIL vice president.

Located between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America, Costa Rica has a population of about 4 million.

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The Movimiento Libertario

We libertarians think that Costa Rica has been stagnating for years in an economic and moral crisis. Traditional politicians drive up the cost of living, dig us deeper into debt, impose taxes without our consent, and cause the poverty, unemployment, privileges and corruption that choke us. They reward the lazy, the inept, and those who steal, and punish the capable and honest worker. The traditional political parties DO NOT have the moral authority to lead this country.

The libertarian philosophy is based on a deep respect for each human being and her/his rights. We believe that this orientation, focused on freedom with responsibility, is the only way to bring about peace and prosperity, both material as well as spiritual. Ours is a true moral revolution.