Costa Ricans off to Polls Sunday

Costa Ricans will be off to the polls to vote for their mayors and other elected municipal officials. Well, at least some voters will but don't expect a stampede.

In a poll commissioned by the daily La Nacion early in November, 58% of eligible voters nearly yawned in the pollsters' faces, expressing an underwhelming interest in the candidates and their qualifications. Only 34% said they definitely would vote

Yet, they were forthcoming about the qualification they found paramount in their municipal officials: integrity, more than 70% said. But how they expected to get this quality if they did not vote the laid back citizens did not explain.

Due to a change in the voting law, this election allowed parties to contribute to their candidates' campaigns, so major parties put up a few billboards but no torchlight parades enlivened things. This is in contrast to presidential campaigns where Ticos know how to put the "party" in political party.

New technology for fast counting is in place, so the Supreme Elections Tribunal promises quick results. If you are a qualified voter, go to www.tse.go.cr for more information. Or visit the sites to see the results Sunday night.