COSTA RICA- Counting has begun in Costa Rica after the conclusion of the Presidential Election held across the country yesterday.

Presently, Johnny Araya of the National Liberation Party has 36% of votes counted, while Centris Luis Gullermo Solis is on 21% and left-winger Jose Maria Villalta on 17 %.

It was gathered that the front-runner, Mr. Araya has promised to distance himself from the scandal-hit government of President Laura Chinchilla.

There will be run-off election on April 6, if there is no outright winner among the contestants.