On September 19th at 8:00 p.m., Oscar Arias confirmed what had already been leaked: he will not intend to have a third presidential term.
Arias said that he had been contemplating the possibility of becoming a candidate but he had finally concluded that he will not, arguing three reasons: the country’s ungovernability, the need to promote a new leadership and his personal view about the fact that no one is essencial in a democracy.
Arias was never happy about the idea of an internal contest within the Partido de Liberación Nacional (PLN) and at least twice, he asked candidate José María Figueres to desist from his aspirations and he stated that, as in 2005, the PLN should elect him as candidate without going to any party convention.
He also declared that he is happy for having dedicated his life “to serve the people,” but at this point, it is necessary to renew leaderships and allow younger generations to be part of the political life.
He expressed that during his two past administrations, he transformed the country and that despite all polls that claimed that he would win a third time, he won’t stand again for the presidency.
A few hours after learning about Arias’ decision, Antonio Álvarez Desanti confirmed that he is considering his postulation for the presidential elections.