Scandals, inequality loom large as Costa Rica votes for new leader

Scandals, inequality loom large as Costa Rica votes for new leader
Sun Feb 2, 2014 1:30am EST

Alexandra Alper and Zach Dyer

Feb 2 (Reuters) - Costa Rica's centrist ruling party front-runner seeks to fend off a leftist surge fueled by voter resentment over government corruption scandals and rising inequality as voters in Central America's second-largest economy head to the polls on Sunday.

Centrist former San Jose Mayor Johnny Araya is leading on promises to reduce poverty, while distancing himself from President Laura Chinchilla's scandal-plagued government and painting rivals as radicals. But voter anger over government corruption has buoyed a challenge from leftist lawmaker Jose Maria Villalta, who also promises to tackle inequality in the coffee-producing nation.

If none of the thirteen candidates wins more than 40 percent of votes, as expected, there will be an run-off in April for only the second time in Costa Rican history.

A winner will have to tackle growing debt that totals more than half of gross domestic product, as generous salaries and mandatory education spending weigh on a weak tax take.

More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/02/costarica-elections-idUSL2N0L60J220140202?rpc=401