A Quiet Day as Costa
Ricans Vote
Organizations both
against and Tratado de
Libre Comercio (TLC) -
free trade agreement
with the United States -
predict a peaceful day
in Costa Rica today, as
Costa Ricans are asked
to choose between "Si"
and "No" for the future
of the trade deal.
Although the process
leading to the vote
stirred up great passion
across society, there is
expected a maturity of
acceptance of the
results of today's
voting.
More than 2 million
voters are eligible to
cast their vote and all
indications show a large
turnout and easily meet
the 40% voter
participation
requirement for the
referendum to be legal.
Since Friday there has
been no campaign
rhetoric for the vote as
the Tribunal Supremo de
Elecciones banned all
propaganda to allow
voters a time of
reflection and decision
making.
Many were still
undecided as of
yesterday, but one thing
was for sure, they would
be out today to vote.
More than 100
international observers
are on duty today to
ensure transparency in
the voting and some
10.000 members of the
Fuerza Pública (police)
will be keeping an eye
on voting centres,
keeping the peace and
tranquility of the
historic day.
|
|
