For the first time in the history of the Costa Rican democracy, the presidential election on Sunday, February 3, 2002, did not result in a winner. A run-off will be held in April between the Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) and Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) parties. Abel Pachenco, candidate for the PUSC, got 38.6% of the vote, not the minimum required too obtain an outright victory. In second place, Rolando Araya received 30.96% of the presidential votes.

News Stories:

"Pacheco y Araya van a otra ronda"
La Nación, (San José, Costa Rica) February 4, 2002

"Susto al bipartidismo: Plataforma de Acción Ciudadana necesita madurar"
La Nación, (San José, Costa Rica) February 4, 2002

"Will Change Win? 3-Man Race is a New Challenge"
The Tico Times, (San José, Costa Rica) February 1, 2002