Costa Rica goes to the polls to choose new president

SAN JOSÉ: Polling stations opened in Costa Rica on Sunday for the first round of the Central American country's presidential election, which is being buffeted by a debate on gay marriage.

A total 13 candidates are vying to succeed outgoing President Luis Guillermo Solis, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second consecutive term.

Same-sex marriage is seen as a key issue in the socially conservative country, where 3.3 million voters are eligible to cast ballots.