Latin America’s Shifting Politics: The Fading of Costa Rica’s Old Parties

The small Central American country of Costa Rica has been celebrated for its vigorous democracy. Elections have been long dominated by two political parties: the National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC). On 4 February 2018, however, an election was held with a surprising outcome. The winner of the first round was Fabricio Alvarado, an evangelical Christian singer and preacher from the small National Restoration Party (PRN). In a runoff vote held on 1 April 2018, Carlos Alvarado from the Citizens’ Action Party (PAC) prevailed. The election was evidence of the two traditional parties’ decline and a resulting political fragmentation. Politically, Costa Rica has become less predictable and more difficult to govern.