Election was held on 7 February 2010 for Costa Rica’s president and unicameral Legislative Assembly. The president is directly elected by universal adult suffrage for a four-year term. The Legislative Assembly (Asamblea Legislativa), has 57 members, directly elected for a four-year term.

Laura Chinchilla of the National Liberation Party (PLN) won the presidential election, securing 47% of the vote in the first round (thereby exceeding the 40% limit required to avoid a run-off). SHe is scheduled to take office as Costa Rica’s first woman president on 8 May 2010.

The results of the Legislative Assembly elections were

National Liberation Party (PLN) ……………… 23 seats

Citizens’ Action Party (PAC) ……………… 11 seats

Libertarian Movement (ML) ……………… 10 seats

Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) ……………… 6 seats

Accessibility Without Exclusion Party (PASE) ……………… 4 seats

Broad Front Party (FA) ……………… 1 seat

Costa Rican Renovation Party (PRC) ……………… 1 seat

National Restoration Party (PRN) ……………… 1 seat