Elections and Democracy in Central America: The Cases of Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Abstract

Relatively few students, however, have made a systematic effort to compare the political systems of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Among the few political scientists to undertake such a comparison is James Busey, who approximately forty years ago compared the dictatorial tradition of Nicaragua with democratic political system of Costa Rica. Since 1965 Costa Rica has consistently been given first place in this survey and in earlier years ranked second three times and third once. Nicaragua, on the other hand, usually occupies a spot third, fourth, or fifth from last. From the perspective of history of democracy in five republics of Central America, Nicaragua and Costa Rica offer the greatest contrast and therefore the most daunting analytical challenge. Costa Rica entered independence with fewer large estates, a smaller oligarchy, a weaker clerical establishment, and a more equitable distribution of land than Nicaragua. These circumstances allowed Costa Rica to ease into national independence without political strife and caudillismo that plagued its neighbors.