Otilio Ulate

president of Costa Rica

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July 14, 2026

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Otilio Ulate was a Costa Rican Social Democrat who was elected president in 1948. His election was annulled by the Legislative Assembly, leading to a brief civil war. A compromise was reached, and Ulate was eventually installed as president after a provisional government led by José Figueres Ferrer. Ulate's presidency saw the implementation of a new constitution in 1949, which established women's suffrage, abolished institutionalized racism, and nationalized the banking system.123

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José Figueres Ferrer
When Calderón was defeated by Otilio Ulate for reelection in 1948, the Legislative Assembly annulled the election and tried to reinstall Calderón. Figueres, who had hidden arms and ammunition on his plantation near Cartago, led an uprising in support of Ulate. The two-month civil war ended when Calderón’s forces, despite…
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When Calderón was defeated by Otilio Ulate for reelection in 1948, the Legislative Assembly annulled the election and tried to reinstall Calderón. Figueres, who had hidden arms and ammunition on his plantation near Cartago, led an uprising in support of Ulate. The two-month civil war ended when Calderón’s forces, despite…
Read More