in the same year, josé figueres ferrer became president of the second republic founder assembly. he became president of costa rica for the first time and eliminated the costa rica army. he became president of costa rica for the second time in 1953 winning the election with 65% of the votes. in 1970, he became costa rica’s president for the third time. figueres died june 8, 1990. five months later he was declared benemérito de la patria.