A recent Unimer poll, quoted by the daily newspaper La Nacion, shows that an overwhelming percentage of Costa Ricans oppose blocking streets during demonstrations. A recent mass demonstration of an estimated 23,000 persons protesting the congressional bill to ratify the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the U.S. was peaceful with a carnival atmosphere despite government fears that it might turn violent.

The polling company said 80% of those surveyed stated they would not block streets with barricades if the treaty passed congress while 90% said they would not if the ratification measure failed. (Blocking traffic was a favorite feature of demonstrators but it appears that Ticos are fed up with the tactic.)

Unlike in many Latin countries, demonstrations here seldom turn violent but they can be inconvenient when they choke the downtown area with marchers.

In another survey quoted by La Nacion, four out of 10 Costa Ricans polled said they were undecided if CAFTA would be good for the country’s economy or not. A majority of persons of working age said that, if the measure passed, they would seek classes in English and computerization to prepare themselves for the employment opportunities the treaty might offer.