For several years now, the rule is that the president of the Republic is chosen in a second electoral round. In this process, the two candidates with the most votes will compete for the honor of directing the country for the next four years.
According to the last count by Supreme Court of Elections (TSE), Fabricio Alvarado from National Restoration (PLN) and Carlos Alvarado from the Citizen Action Party (PAC) have the most votes, but they do not reach 40% of the votes.
For more than a year, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has planned this second round, precisely because this is no longer a surprise.
This is all you have to know about this second process:
1. The second round takes place when a candidate does not reach 40% of the valid votes cast during the first electoral round. In this process, neither the null votes nor the blank votes count.
2. If no candidate reaches 40%, the first and second place in votes go to the second round.
3. There have been second rounds only two times before: In 2002, when Abel Pachecho was elected, and four years ago, when the people chose Luis Guillermo Solis.
4. The second rounds are held on the first Sunday of April. This year it will be the April 1st.
5. According to data from the TSE, the budgeted cost for the second round is 1,500 million colones, but it can be much less.
6. Only people who were already registered in the voting polls can vote in the second round. That is, there is no change in the number of voters.
7. The Easter Day of Resurrection is also celebrated this day. Sports celebrations are not allowed.
8. If your card expires before the second round you can still vote, because the second round does not represent a separate process, but a continuation of the first.