WASHINGTON, April 7 (UPI) -- Costa Rica elected a new president Sunday, the first third party candidate to win the seat in 44 years.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated opposition candidate and former professor Luis Guillermo Solís on his election victory.
"We congratulate Luis Guillermo Solis on his election as the next President of Costa Rica.
"The partnership between the United States and Costa Rica has a long history, and reflects many issues of common interest, including energy, education, citizen security, job creation, and economic growth.
"As President Obama made clear during his visit last year, the United States and Costa Rica share a close friendship based on a commitment to democratic values and human rights.
"We stand ready to build on those common values with the Solis administration in the years to come."
Solís, a member of the Citizen Action Party, garnered an estimated 77.8 percent of the run-off vote, beating out National Liberation Party candidate Johnny Araya.
[Tico Times] [State Department]
