Thanks to the support of many of you, we were able to publish our Ad in the Costa Rica newspaper "Diario Extra" on Friday October 19th! We held a press conference on Thursday October 18th at the Headquarters of the OAS in Washington D.C. More stories about these events will be posted shortly.

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A chance at Democracy or a chance to meddle?

On October 7th, the Costa Rican people held an historic referendum to decide the future of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). After three years of country-wide debate, the vast majority of people understood the grave consequences that would befall their unique and beautiful democracy if CAFTA were allowed to be implemented. Because Costa Rica has managed to fend off the multiple attempts to dismantle their very effective social service system, which provides free health care and education, as well as low cost telephone and electric services, their public enterprises continue to be the most desired ‘prize’ sought after by trans-national corporations.

Faced with a seeming defeat on the referendum, the U.S. and Costa Rican governments poured in massive funding and broke many electoral laws to secure a ‘victory’ for the referendum. Quest for Peace staff were part of an international observer team, and we are outraged at the subversion of democracy, especially by our government.

It is clear that the referendum had so many irregularities; it should not be certified by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica. We have filed a complaint with them, but feel we must do more.

No Certification until the irregularities are investigated!

Sign onto this letter and help us demand that the Organization of American States (OAS) intervene and pressure the Costa Rican government to delay the certification of the results until a more thorough investigation of the irregularities can be carried out. The letter will also be placed as a full-page ad in the major Costa Rican paper Diario Extra next week to send a message of solidarity to the Costa Rican people who are still fighting to stop CAFTA and to amplify our request to the OAS.

We need your support -- and we only have a couple of days!

Please join with us in helping to defend democracy in Costa Rica. Only with your signature and $20-$100 donation will this ad be realized. The ad will be placed on October 19th before the certification deadline the following day. Please also help us outreach and send along the request to friends, family and colleagues.

In solidarity,

Tom Loudon
Alliance for Responsible Trade