Costa Rica’s first woman president Laura Chinchilla

Congratulations to Laura Chinchilla, Costa Rica’s first female president, elected with 46% of the votes cast,  sixty years after women were first allowed to vote in Costa Rica.  Ms Chinchilla was Oscar Arias’ Vice President and Minister of Justice.  She pledges to put security at the top of her agenda.  She also pledged to  support education and strengthen the National  Health Care System in Costa Rica, and improve the protection and conservation of the environment.

Ms. Chinchilla is considered one of the most conservative Costa Rican politicians concerning many social issues.  She is against abortion and against granting civil recognition for homosexual couples.   She opposed any amendment to the constitution aimed at separation of church and state.  The constitution currently defines Costa Rica as a Roman Catholic nation.