Guevara Files Complaint
Against Arias with TSE
By Amanda Roberson
Tico Times Staff
aroberson@ticotimes.net

Libertarian Movement candidate Otto Guevara announced yesterday that his party has filed complaints against National Liberation Party (PLN) candidate Oscar Arias with the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) and the Prosecutor's Office for allegedly violating the Electoral Code on two counts: exceeding the limit established for campaign donations and allowing foreigners to influence his campaign.

Arias personally contributed ¢91 million over four years to his campaign, Guevara said at a press conference yesterday. This is five times the amount allowed under Article 176 of the Electoral Code, which states that political parties may receive only up to 45 times the national minimum monthly salary, or ¢19 million over four years, Guevara said.

The Libertarian candidate's second complaint involves Arias' visit from Spanish ex-President Felipe González Jan. 25 (TT Online, Jan. 26). González's presence violated Article 19 of the Electoral Code, which states that foreigners may not influence political campaigns, Guevara alleged. The Spanish ex-President is known to be Arias' friend and came at the perfect time to help his campaign.

“Arias thinks he can do what ever he feels like doing and no one will say anything,” Guevara said. “He's pulling us by the hair, and we cannot tolerate his violation of the Constitution in this way.”

Guevara called for TSE to investigate Arias' alleged violations and hold him liable to the penalties spelled out under the law if he is found guilty. However, he acknowledged it is unlikely TSE will be able to do anything before the Sunday elections.

Still, he said he wants voters to know about Arias' “authoritative style,” which he worries will continue if Arias is elected President.

“The last time this country had an imperialistic government was from 1986-90 [Arias' first presidential term],” Guevara said. “During this time, there was no Sala IV (Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court). Everything was by decree.”

Following the morning's press conference, Arias' campaign released a statement claiming that Guevara is misinterpreting the candidate's ¢91 million donation to PLN.

Arias deposited ¢90 million into PLN's account when he signed on as a candidate, since this amount was required to cover 50% of election costs in the case that there were only two candidates, the statement said. The money was later returned to Arias.

“It's totally false that Arias donated ¢91 million to PLN as Guevara says unfoundedly and in bad faith, and therefore, he has not violated any article of the Electoral Code. There are people who only see the first page and don't read the rest out of ignorance,” said PLN treasurer Alfredo Ortuño.