Costa Rican deputies for electing the new defender of the population

This important position has been vacant since last December when Catalina Crespo’s term expired, but lawmakers are unable to agree on the different candidates and use that election as a political battle between the different parties represented in Congress.

As for the selection on Monday, the President of the Legislative Assembly, Rodrigo Arias, announced that the debate will last for two hours and after that the vote will take place, which will be public for the first time in history.

This advocate is obligated to protect the rights and interests of the population and to ensure that the work of the public sector is in accordance with “morality, justice, the political constitution, the laws, agreements, treaties and covenants signed by the government, and the general principles of law.”

Political analyst Sergio Araya told Teletica.com that the election of the defender serves as a pretext to revive debates over old issues and to show the power struggles within the legislature.

“Although (defenders) have what is known as a mandate of influence and the law obliges public entities to respond to the requirements set by the Ombudsman, particularly in relation to the state, these observations are not binding, but they do carry a very important symbolic weight.”

He added that it is not the same for an official to file a complaint than for an ombudsman to do so or to be a contributor to a process rather than an individual or group, which is why it is an important or relevant body. .

For his part, political expert Claudio Alpizar indicated that instead of looking for a person who, because of his qualities and qualities, can defend the most vulnerable sectors of society, those who are going through a very bad time or the most humble people.

Therefore, he pointed out, the battle arises from a condition that should be for all, someone is needed for the few, a battle between those who call themselves progressive and those who feel conservative to stand for specific and not the great national issues.

“This is the big issue for me,” Alpizar said, “and it gives me the impression that for some parties it is a crown to having a close person in the Ombudsman’s office.”

Election of the new Defender or Defender requires a simple majority, half plus one of the deputies present, and if chosen this Monday, 77 days without this important post for Costa Rica will end.

jf/ale