He was opposed by Rodriguez, who won with slightly less than 47 percent of the vote. The PUSC, however, failed to win a working majority in the unicameral National Assembly and was forced to make an alliance with smaller parties to sustain its legislative program. Costa Rica's heavily armed police appear unable to stem the increase in drug-related corruption and money laundering. Public safety has become a primary concern of the residents of San Jose, which had been a safe haven in a region wracked with violence. Poltical Rights and Civil Liberties Costa Ricans can change their government democratically.
Allegations regarding drug-tainted campaign contributions continue to plague both major parties.
New campaign laws have been instituted to make party financing more transparent. In the 1998 elections, analysts noted that the high rate of abstention and spoilage of ballots reflected popular disillusionment with established parties and a sense of exclusion from the process. The constitution provides for three independent branches of government. The president and the 57-member legislative assembly are elected for four years and are prohibited from seeking second terms. The assembly has equal power, including the ability to override presidential vetoes.