Dates of last and next legislative elections:  2002/2006

Head of state: President Abel Pacheco de la Espriella

AT THE LAST ELECTION

Politics has long been dominated by the PUSC and PLN, both of which have close ties to major banana- and coffee-growing families. Historically the US has exercised a very powerful influence on politics.

The PLN in 1994 promised reforms to its previous austerity policies, but soon came under pressure from international financial organizations to reduce the budget deficit. Harsh structural adjustment measures proved highly unpopular.

In 1998 the PUSC regained power. President Miguel Angel Rodríguez launched a three-year plan to reduce inflation and poverty, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate foreign investment in state companies. His chosen successor, Abel Pacheco, needed an unprecedented second round to clinch the presidency in 2002, when voter turnout hit an all-time low.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004