In a national broadcast, Otton Solís lamented that his fellow candidate Oscar Arias would not debate him in the final week of the campaign.  Solis accused " A group of people are trying to hold hostage democracy and they say that debating is fighting.  I proposed a debate to show that there is a group who has governed us during 20 years. During this time this group has favored certain sectors, handicapped farmers, and taken the middle class to the brink of collapse. " 

For Solís, the debate is vital for the Costa Rican voter, so that they may elect between 2 different paths that have been presented. " I proposed making a debate over ideas, proposals and trajectories, but this neoliberal group has said that they won’t debate, even if the Pope asked them. I want to debate because this group is promoting a trade agreement (CAFTA) that puts in danger our institutions, this group wants us to think that the CAFTA that was negotiated is the only way to development, but that is untrue.  Costa Rica’s social model has proven this."