Faces of Costa Rica

Revolution of 1948

Costa Ricans credit the 1948 revolution, which lasted just forty days, with establishing democracy and the stable government that exists today. It is also credited with getting rid of electoral corruption.

Electoral corruption had been a problem. The political system was based on personal patronage rather than party organizations.

Rafael Calderon held the presidency between 1940 and 1944. Presidents were not allowed to serve consecutive terms and Calderon's successor, Picado, was seen as his puppet. While no longer president, many suspected Calderon controlled politics from behind the scenes.

In 1948, Calderon ran for president again and lost to Otilio Ulate, the opposition candidate. Because of suggested irregularities in the polls, Congress voted to annul the elections.

Don Pepe Figueres, a landowner who had spoken out against Calderon in 1941, mobilized a opposition army to fight the decision. He and his supporters believed the decision to annul the elections was an attempt to keep Calderon in power.

After forty days and approximately 2,000 deaths, the government surrendered to Figueres and his supporters. Amnesty was granted to everyone who had fought with the government. Figueres set up a 18 month temporary interim government, which dedicated itself to writing a new constitution. The Constitution of 1949 is still in effect today.

After the 18-month period, the presidency was handed back to Ulate, new Constitution in place, and a new Costa Rica was created.