The Marxists could easily have full control of Costa Rica at any time. That the TLC vote ( and the Marxist rhetoric used) is a clear indication of that.
I am astonished that so many Americans are buying homes and other investment property in Costa Rica. Many of these Americans are retirees who have taken their meager savings and bought small homes or businesses hoping that their retirement dollars will buy a higher standard of living in Costa Rica. Sadly many of them do not speak or read Spanish well enough to read the Costa Rican newspapers. They rely solely on the English “Tico Times” for their news. These American investors could lose their property and all their life's savings in the next election.
I used to tell anyone who would listen that the place is a third world country with a deep seated socialistic world view and, behind the facade of American fast food joints in Escazu, was no place to end your days. Few listened and now are stuck with a collapsing infrastructure and a growing violence problem.
Have to say though, the people are wonderful and sweet and very inventive in a chicken-wire-hold-things-together sort of way.