Abel Pacheco de la Espriella

president of Costa Rica

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July 16, 2026

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Abel Pacheco de la Espriella served as the president of Costa Rica, elected in 2002. His presidency marked a shift in Costa Rica's stable two-party system, as he was forced into an unprecedented runoff election. During his term, Pacheco's administration faced a growing budget deficit, and his campaign funds were discovered in Panamanian banks. This period also saw corruption allegations against past presidents. Pacheco's presidency occurred during a time of significant political and economic challenges in Costa Rica and the broader Central American region.123

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Costa Rica
Costa Rica in the 21st century
…retained the presidency, its nominee, Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, was forced into an unprecedented runoff, as no candidate garnered at least 40 percent of the vote in the first round. In elections to the Legislative Assembly, the Citizen Action Party (Partido Acción Ciudadana; PAC) won 14 seats, denying an…
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…retained the presidency, its nominee, Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, was forced into an unprecedented runoff, as no candidate garnered at least 40 percent of the vote in the first round. In elections to the Legislative Assembly, the Citizen Action Party (Partido Acción Ciudadana; PAC) won 14 seats, denying an…
Read More

San Juan River
Abel Pacheco de la Espriella brought the issue to the International Court of Justice. The court settled the dispute on July 13, 2009, to the satisfaction of both parties. The ruling allowed Costa Rica free navigation rights on the river, not only for commerce but…
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Abel Pacheco de la Espriella brought the issue to the International Court of Justice. The court settled the dispute on July 13, 2009, to the satisfaction of both parties. The ruling allowed Costa Rica free navigation rights on the river, not only for commerce but…
Read More