Chaves, a veteran former official of the World Bank, was projected to win about 52.9% of the vote in the run-off ballot, a preliminary tally by the electoral tribunal showed, based on returns from some 97% of polling stations.Speaking to supporters in San Jose, the capital, the 60-year-old Chaves said he accepted his victory with humility, and urged Figueres to help him move the country forward.
Caravans of cars sporting the flag of Chaves’ Social Democratic Progress Party crowded the streets of downtown San Jose in celebration. “If the people go out to vote, this is going to be a sweep, a tsunami,” Chaves said after casting his ballot on Sunday. Turnout was 57.3%, the electoral tribunal said, less than the 60% who cast ballots in the first round.
David Diaz, 33, said he was not enthused by Chaves or Figueres. He left home early to vote by 7 a.m. in the rural town of Tacacori, about 30 km from San Jose.