Editing Juan Costa (section)

===1946 Election=== 
1946 was the first election where "Costamania" was a nationwide movement. Costa had built a cult of personality around his image even though a large number of supporters didn't fully understand his policy of National Reform. Costa specifically campaigned in economically depressed areas to gain support from those disaffected by the Left Party. At the same time, Costa courted the political support of the urban upper class by making backroom deals promising government roles and funding for private ventures. Seeing the political success of Costa, the Left Party formed the Republican Alliance to organize left-wing and center political support. The 1946 Election also saw an increase in the activity of the Red Guard for Reformation which targeted left-wing political leaders at various events, although Costa denied any connection, he publically praised the RGR. In the end, Costa gained 42% of the vote in the first round and 49.3% in the second round, the narrow victory led to Costa claiming fraud, a claim that was verified in small amounts although it would not have changed the outcome.