Costa Rican pastor takes presidential poll lead Fabricio Alvarado leapfrogs rivals after tapping fierce opposition to gay marriage Fabricio Alvarado: ‘This is an intense shout for values the sovereignty of the family as the fundamental base of society.’
A previously obscure Costa Rican evangelical pastor has dealt the latest anti-establishment electoral upset from a political outsider, jumping from last place to a first-round victory in the Central American country after tapping into opposition to gay marriage. Fabricio Alvarado secured 24.9% of the vote with 93% of the ballots counted. He was leading Carlos Alvarado (no relation) from the ruling Citizens’ Action party on 21.7% who overtook Antonio Álvarez, a banana entrepreneur, who had held an early second place. His victory was well short of the 40% needed to avoid a run-off.
