Centenarian Anxious For the Election
Rafael Mora Ramírez will have the distinction this year of being the "oldest" voter in the upcoming presidential elections on February 5. Rafael is almost 113 years old.

Rafael told the Spanish daily newspaper La Nación that though he has not made up his mind on who he is going to vote for yet, he is looking forward to voting.

Rafael was born on January 29, 1893 in San Isidro de San Ramón, Alajuela. His birthdate is certified by his "cedula", a document that all adult Costa Ricans are issued and carry as identification.

Rafael says he enjoys playing the harmonica and loves to be invited to fiestas (parties).

Rafael is one of 316 voters over the age of 100 that are registered to vote in this election.

Carlos Murillo, head of the Sección del padrón of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), said that there may be others who are older than 112, but are not registered to vote.

Happiness and optimism fill the "abuelo" as he is known to his family and given his age, Rafael, is in good health, is not suffering from any illness. His only problem these days is loss of hearing. The centenarian says he moves about by himself and never gets angry, passing away his day chewing tobacco, which he says is a lifelong habit, though in his younger days he would enjoy a "puro" (a cigar) and shot of whiskey.


Some election facts:
- 14.4% (367.553) of the voters are between the ages of 20 and 24

- There are 1.275.557 women registered to vote, 501 more than the 1.257.056 men. In 2002, men beat out women voters by 3.545 

- Women were first able to vote in the 1950 elections

- 23.518 voters are over the age of 85

- 291.008 new voters were added to the list, voting for the first time in the February 2006 elections