UPDATE 2-Costa Ricans wait in line to vote on US trade deal
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Costa Ricans stood in long lines to vote on a free-trade deal with the United States on Sunday in a referendum that has split the Central American nation like no other issue in decades.
Opponents fear the Central American Free Trade Agreement, or CAFTA, will weaken the country's prized welfare system, among the strongest in Latin America.
Supporters, led by Nobel peace laureate President Oscar Arias, say Costa Rica needs to open its economy more since it is a small country with few natural resources.
Cars with "yes" and "no" flags fluttering from their windows honked their horns as they drove by busy polling stations.
Lines of people waiting to vote reached 50 yards (45 metres) at some polling stations, suggesting strong turnout. In last year's presidential election, few Costa Ricans had to stand in line to vote.
"As a mother who has Ch*ldren, there are a lot of opportunities (with free trade), more possibilities for the country to grow," said Liliana Cespedes, owner of a small gym.
Polling stations were due to close at 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. EDT) (0000 GMT). Continued...
http://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNew ... geNumber=2
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