Three former presidents were caught on camera voting in Sunday’s municipal elections: Abel Pacheco (2002-2006), Miguel Angel Rodrigues (1998-2002) and Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014).
Pacheco, who turned 86 last December, made it public he would be casting his vote for the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) grouping. The former president, now 86 years old, said “I am a little old but well” (estoy viejillo pero bien).
He also took the opportunity to comment that the central canto of San Jose (where he lives) “lacks security and opportunities to keep young people away from drugs”.
“… I walk a little, eat and drink,” said with a laugh the former president who was greeted warmly with hugs by the community of Pavas.
Miguel Angel Rodriguez, who turned 80 a few weeks ago, voted in his community of San Rafael de Escazu.
Rodriguez was accompanied by his wife, Lorena, who also voted at the same educational center. Both were cheerful and greeted followers who came to greet or take photos with them. Rodriguez looked in very good mood and health.
For her part, Laura Chinchilla, much younger than the former two presidents (she will be 61 next month) shared her photo and message on her social networks, saying she voted “as a tribute to the tens of thousands of people who have put their name on a nomination today to serve their community.”
Chinchilla is registered to vote in Desamparados. She currently teaches at Georgetown University at the Institute of Politics and holds Honorary Doctorates from the University for Peace of the United Nations, Georgetown University and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.
Current president Carlos Alvarado and his wife were a hit at the polling station, people abound and lots of selfies.
I wasn’t able to find anything on the other (living) former presidents: Luis Guillermo Solis (2014-2018), Oscar Arias (1986-1990 and 2006-2010), Jose Figueres Olsen (1994-1998) and Rafael Angel Calderon Fournier (1990-1994).
Pacheco is by far my most favorite president of Costa Rica. Who is yours? Post your comments on our official Face (book) page.
