Today the citizens of the Republic of Costa Rica went to public schools in their communities around the country to vote either "Si" or "No" to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
It is an historic day for Costa Rica, a country trying to advance within the 'world economy' but still maintain its economic and political sovereignty. We set out to several towns to observe and photograph the people of Costa Rica cast their votes.
The fact that the decision itself is being made by the people of the country, those that will be affected by the geo political repercussions and endure them for generations are being asked to make the final decision with there vote. This is a process that the founding fathers of any nation would be proud of.
As polls opened at 6am local time the Guias and Scouts of Costa Rica (similar to the boys/girl scouts in the states) volunteered their time to help people find their names on long lists of eligible voters within the area. Meanwhile on the street corners around the school two groups, the "No" group and the "Si" group assembled to rally undecided voters.
The towns were different but the scenes were similar across the rural northern lowlands of Costa Rica, the "No" and "Si" group on fringe while the Guias and Scouts of Costa Rica and a few other volunteers in the community observed their fellow Ticos peacefully participate in their nation’s electoral process.
Some polls in the past few weeks have predicted close margins, as low as 5%, many placing those against CAFTA in the lead. Today's vote went in favor of those for the CAFTA resolution.
