The conversations in Costa Rica after the presidential elections that took place this past weekend, have geared around two topics: the unexpected results of the elections that now have the country going to a second round, and the 57 “diputados” (deputies) elected for congress (Legislative Assembly).

But was has the discussion been all about regarding the deputies?

Costa Rica the Legislative Assembly is composed of 57 deputies, these are selected depending on the number of votes each political party got in each province. After the elections held on Sunday, the parties that got their deputies in congress are:

National Liberation Party (PLN) 17
National Restoration Party (PRN) 14
Citizens Action Party (PAC) 10
Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) 9
National Integration Party (PIN) 4
Social Christian Republican Party 2
Frente Amplio (Broad Front) 1
**Highlighted- the two parties who’s presidential candidates made it to second round.

A lot of local media outlets have published interviews with some of the selected deputies, where the soon to be representatives of the country show a concerning lack of knowledge regarding some important national topics, or simply admit to not really having a work plan or particular priority; others show their ignorance on the functions of each of the three government branches.

This situation has triggered the discussions on whether the country should be more “demanding” when choosing their representatives.

In order to be eligible for congress in Costa Rica, the Political Constitution establishes three requisites:

1. To be a citizen in exercise (which means not having any legal limitations)
2. Be a Costa Rican by birth or naturalization with at least 10 years of residing in the country after obtaining the nationality.
3. To be at least 21-years-old

The reason for just having these three simple requirements is that it allows the participation of different sectors of the population and a fair representation of all groups in the society.

Some have suggested that a minimum education level should be required as it happens with most job positions, while others suggest anyone that wishes to run for congress should take a basic general test, not regarding their positions in different topics, but at least their level of knowledge and understanding on important matters.

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