Evangelical preacher leads in Costa Rica presidential election

San Jose Feb 5 (IANS) Evangelical preacher Fabricio Alvarado has taken an early lead in Costa Rica s presidential election according to preliminary results.

Fabricio Alvarado leader of the National Restoration Party and Carlos Alvarado of the incumbent Citizen s Action Party will head to a second run-off vote the results revealed on Sunday reports Efe news.

With 80.6 per cent of the ballots counted Fabricio Alvarado was leading with 24.6 per cent closely followed by Carlos Alvarado at 21.6 per cent although both were far from the 40 per cent mark required to secure the presidency after just one round.

The second round of the presidential elections is due to be held on April 1.

Fabricio Alavarado a journalist preacher and Christian singer recently vaulted into the top in opinion polls after he openly opposed same-sex marriage which nearly two-thirds Costa Ricans also stand against.

--IANS
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