2017 Citizens' Action Party presidential primary


The third primary election of the Citizens' Action Party was scheduled for July 9, 2017 in order to elect PAC's presidential candidate for the 2018 Costa Rican general election. Albeit rumors about possible candidates included former candidate and former deputy Otton Solis, then Vice-President Ana Helena Chacón and former president of Congress and then UN ambassador Juan Carlos Mendoza, all of them denied having aspirations at the moment. Instead, the first announcing his intention to be nominated was Minister Carlos Alvarado, former Minister of Social Issues and President of the Joint Social Welfare Institute and latter Minister of Labor under Luis Guillermo Solis' presidency. He was quickly followed by Economy Minister Welmer Ramos, both resigning their offices as the Constitution requires before February 2017. Congresswoman and former pre-candidate Epsy Campbell made her intentions public on March of the same year in what could have been Campbell's third attempt to be presidential nominee. But on March 27 Campbell withdraw from the race.
Alvarado, a published writer and journalist, is seen as close to Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, whilst Ramos is considered closer to the "Ottonista" faction, i.e. the more conservative faction close to the ideas of party's founder Ottón Solís. Alvarado won the election by 56% of the votes over Ramos who acknowledged the defeat the same night. Alvarado would won the presidential race a few months later.

Opinion polls

Campaign

Alvarado focused his campaign highlighting the government's achievements, whilst Ramos distanced himself from the government and even made harsh criticism to several government officials for ethical reasons.
Alvarado and Ramos main difference was regarding social issues, as in economy and politics held similar views. Alvarado supports gay marriage whilst Ramos opposes. This caused controversy mostly among partisans as PAC has traditionally held culturally liberal views and policies. Whilst Alvarado took part of Costa Rica's annual Gay Pride Parade, Ramos said in a radio interview that he regarded same-sex couples unnatural, yet in an official statement Ramos clarified his position saying that he respects the LGBT community and would not oppose any form of legislation that recognizes same-sex couples and would respect the Party's official position in the matter.

Controversies

The main controversy was a religious pamphlet made by a Christian pastor supporting Ramos and calling Christians to vote for him. Costa Rica's electoral law forbids to use religion in any way during a political campaign, and of course internal criticism for what was considered a very conservative view in a generally liberal progressive party.

Debates

As with all presidential primaries, debates were organized between the candidates in different radio shows, universities, forums and networks. The two more prevalent are organized by the two biggest networks: Teletica on July 5 and Repretel on July 6.