The 38 Votes Not Assured
Legislative deputy and presidential candidate in the presidential elections last February, José Manuel Echandi Meza, of the Partido Unión Nacional (PUN), is now conditioning his "yes" vote for the approval of the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States (CAFTA) - placing in jeopardy the government's affirmation that it has the sufficient votes to get the TLC approved.

Echandi is asking that Article 21 of the Constitución Política (Political Constitution) include the right of access to health care.

Echandi who last week returned from a trip to Chile on the request of Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, said his visit to the South American country allowed him to see the necessity to have health care become part of the the constitutional norms.

"Before the TLC can be approved, the national industry producing generic medication, which supplies 88% of medication to the Caja Costarricense de Seguros Social, must be protected, and Costa Rican guaranteed access to those medications", said Echandi.

The legislator says that by amending article 21 of the political constitution, all Costa Ricans will be protected with social assistance in the event the TLC is approved. The legislator says he will push for a change to the constitution as well as a proposal to reform the Ley General de Salud (Health laws).

The PUN leader is asking the government to support his initiative and be submitted to first vote before the TLC goes to the legislative floor, as it makes its final pass at approval.

Echandi reminded Casa Presidencial that it still does not have all the necessary votes for approval of the TLC.

"We have been very clear that if we want their support if they want our positive vote", said Echandi.