This coming Monday, May 8th will see the inorgaration of Oscar Arias the newly appointed President of the Republic of Costa Rica. Just short of 20 year ago the former Nobel Peace Prize winner will be taking office for the 2nd time, however this time Oscar Arias will have more on his plate that before.

20 years ago the young Osacr Arias came from behind in a suprising election win to take office. On taking office he stated that he would bring peace to the war-torn Central America he loved so much. This election however he was the clear favourite however when the votes were counted it was so close they had to recount!! Oscar Arias won the 2006 election by just over 1% of the population but this election showed an no-vote turnout more than ever before.

Oscar Arias has a basket full of experience and was the most qualified person for the job but Costa Rica will not allow him to push the CAFTA free trade agreement through the Costa Rica Government as easy as he may think. There have been huge marches against the proposed Agreement as many see it as a negative trade agreement with the US. Arias stated in his election that if he took power he would pass the CAFTA through with no changes. His opposition Solis stated that he would reject the agreement. This meant that the election became a pro and against CAFTA vote.

On Monday Oscar Arias will step up as Abel Pacheco steps down and lets hope that this 4 years will be as great as his previous 4 years.