The party took a leading role in the failed campaign against Costa Rica's membership of the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

Originally an anti-corruption party, it startled the Costa Rican political arena with a very strong showing in the 2002 general elections.

The party won 21.9% of the popular vote and 14 out of 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly, making it the third strongest political force in the legislature.

Former PLN Secretary General Luis Guillermo Solís' name began being circulated at meetings of the "ungroup," an informal gathering of PAC officials, led by former deputy Alberto Salom.

[10] Several PAC officials wanted Luis Guillermo Solís to run as a deputy in San José and as a vice presidential candidate in 2010.

Six candidates won municipal elections in the rural communities of Aserrí, Matina, Hojancha, Cañas, Los Chiles y Guatuso.

He wants to build infrastructure, bolster Costa Rica's universal health care and social security systems and push for environmentally friendly policies.

[15][16] Historically, PAC has opposed free trade agreements such as CAFTA, which Solís claims is improperly implemented.