Responding to a challenge by the PAC campaign team, Oscar Arias rejected any possibility of a debate between front runners "for the good of the country", even though PAC representatives reminded him that in his previous campaign he asked politicians to be more open "in order to make Costa Rica the first developed country in Latin America, we have to lose our fear of dialogue."

Otton Solís, the PAC candidate reacted, "Then Oscar Arias believes he is God, because only God is above the Pope." 

The well-organized festivities in Palmares take center stage this weekend, and traffic police will be on the watch for drunk drivers.  120 officers will be on call to control traffic from January 11th to January 23rd. 

Huanelge Gutiérrez, subdirector of the Transit Police said that from 10 pm until dawn they will stop every vehicle to verify the condition of the driver.  The checkpoint will be at the Naranjo toll booth. 6 other posts will be on the Bernardo Soto and General Cañas freeways. 

The police will have 2 tow trucks, 10 radar guns, 10 alcohol sensors, 15 patrol cars, 20 motorcycles and a large capacity tow truck for hauling trucks.