Costa Rica goes to the polls to choose new president

Polling stations opened in Costa Rica today 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.