The Votes Are In…And The Winner is…Apathy

By Mike Danna
Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Public Relations Director

Sunday was Election Day here in Costa Rica and Class 13 was split in their support of the candidates for president.

Donnie Wooley and Danielle Yerby supported Johnny Araya for president.  Danielle wore her candidate’s colors, green and white and waved a green and white flag.  Kristin McLaren was pulling for Luis Guillermo, whose supporters handed her a red T-shirt bearing his web address.  With 60 percent expected voter turnout, it’s doubtful class members had enough political stroke to sway the election, particularly since they weren’t allowed to vote.  But that didn’t stop the candidates’ supporters from letting them score some serious Election Day swag.

At a stop in a small community outside San Jose on our way to the city, we had a chance to see the election process.  In addition to president Costa Ricans were voting for a host of local officials.  Class members stopped at one polling place inside a school that had all the trappings of a typical Louisiana election stop; except that signs, banners and supporters were allowed inside the polling place.

Our guide Jenny said there hasn’t been a lot of excitement about this year’s presidential election.  Voters are disenchanted over national and local corruption, she said, as well as the usual apathy when it comes to one’s ability to fight City Hall.

Sound familiar?

For a national election there’s been a surprising lack of political signs, billboards, ads and bumper stickers around the country.  Except for the entourage of presidential candidate Johnny Araya.  As we entered San Jose his motorcade rolled along side the bus as we drove through downtown.  The vehicles were flying big green and white flags, as well as sporting big bumper stickers. (See the photo)

Donnie and Danielle supporting Johnny Araya and suddenly his crew rolls by?  What are the odds?  Like the rest of this trip our timing has been impeccable.

We spent much of the early afternoon Sunday shopping in downtown San Jose.  Most of the souvenirs in the local markets were made in China.  There was a time when a local gift shop featured local fare, but that time has long passed.  Ed Reeves, his wife Anne, Jim Monroe and I had lunch at McDonald’s off the main square.  Ed said he really wanted some Mickey Ds.  Anne, however, said she only eats at the Golden Arches once every 10 years.  She promised to call me in 2024 to see if we’d like to join her again.

We checked into our final hotel at around 2 p.m. to we grab a quick nap and get ready for the final class dinner which begins at 6 p.m.  Stay tuned for my final post coming later tonight.

Until next time…