Centrist candidate Luis Guillermo Solis appeared set for victory in Costa Rica's presidential elections after rival Johnny Araya unexpectedly withdrew from an April 6 runoff.
In a surprise announcement on Wednesday, Araya, of the ruling right-wing National Liberation Party, said he was pulling out after indications Solis was poised to win by a landslide.
A recent poll had Araya with 20.9 per cent of the vote, against 64.4 per cent backing Solis.
"It is with great certainty that I close my campaign for the presidency of the republic," Araya, 56, told a press conference, his wife standing by his side.
"The campaign for the second round looks very difficult and full of obstacles.
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"It is only prudent not to spend millions on publicity, meetings and other events. We will respect the constitutional provisions, but I will refrain from any electoral activity," he said.
The decision created confusion in Costa Rica, where the constitution stipulates that official candidates may not formally withdraw from presidential election ballots.
Thus, the runoff will still go ahead, but with only Solis in the field, effectively making the ballot a ratification of his bid for the presidency.
