By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica gears up for its national elections on Sunday, February 1st, all eyes are on the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and its sophisticated technological infrastructure designed to deliver swift and secure provisional results. The electoral body has announced a detailed plan that blends modern mobile technology with traditional, robust communication systems to ensure transparency and reliability, with the first official data expected to be released at 8:45 p.m. on election night.
The core of this year’s operation is a hybrid system for transmitting preliminary results from the nation’s 7,154 polling stations, known as Juntas Receptoras de Votos (JRV). This dual-pronged strategy is engineered to maximize both speed and security, addressing the diverse technological landscape across the country. The process will officially commence at 6:00 p.m. when polls close and the vote counting begins at each location.
To better understand the legal framework and regulatory hurdles surrounding the adoption of new election technologies, TicosLand.com consulted an expert in the field. We spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to get his professional perspective on the matter.
The implementation of any new election technology must be preceded by a robust legal framework that guarantees not only the technical integrity of the system but also the fundamental principles of transparency, auditability, and the protection of voter data. Innovation is crucial, but it cannot come at the expense of legal certainty and public trust in the democratic process. Without clear regulations, we risk turning a technological solution into a constitutional problem.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point is fundamental: the legal architecture is not a barrier to progress, but the very bedrock upon which secure and trusted electoral modernization must be built. This ensures that technological innovation serves to reinforce, rather than risk, public confidence in the democratic process. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this critical discussion.
A significant majority of the polling stations, 4,422 JRVs representing 62% of the total, will utilize a proprietary, non-public mobile application. This secure app, developed in-house by the TSE’s technical staff, will be installed on designated smartphones to transmit vote counts directly to the central processing center. The Tribunal has emphasized that the application features reinforced security protocols to safeguard data integrity and prevent unauthorized access, marking a significant step in the digitalization of the country’s electoral process.
For the remaining 38% of polling stations, totaling 2,732 JRVs, the TSE will rely on a proven and reliable call center system. These stations, often located in areas with limited or less stable mobile data connectivity, will relay their results verbally to operators stationed at secure facilities managed by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), its subsidiary RACSA, and the TSE itself. This method follows meticulously pre-established protocols to ensure accuracy and prevent transmission errors, providing a crucial backbone to the entire operation.
The electoral process also extends far beyond Costa Rica’s borders. The results from 91 polling stations set up in 49 consulates across 42 different countries will be transmitted via telephone once voting concludes in each respective time zone. These international votes will be integrated into the main system starting Sunday afternoon and continuing through midday on Monday, February 2nd, ensuring the voices of Costa Ricans abroad are fully counted.
The official announcement of the first results will take place during a formal ceremony titled the “Solemn Session for the Transmission of Provisional Results of the National Elections.” Following the initial release at 8:45 p.m., the public can expect consistent updates every 15 minutes until 10:00 p.m. After this period, the frequency of updates may adjust based on the flow of incoming data from the remaining polling stations.
To promote widespread access and transparency, the TSE is making the results available through multiple channels. The public can follow the evolving electoral map on the official website, www.tse.go.cr, and through the free mobile application, #VotanteInformadocr. Additionally, real-time updates will be pushed through the TSE’s official social media accounts and distributed to all national media outlets, ensuring every citizen has access to the information as it becomes available.
This comprehensive strategy underscores the TSE’s commitment to upholding Costa Rica’s strong democratic traditions while embracing technological innovation. By creating a resilient system that combines a purpose-built secure application with the reliability of established communication networks, the Tribunal aims to deliver an election night count that is not only fast but also trustworthy and transparent for all citizens, both at home and abroad.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all elections in Costa Rica. It is considered the fourth branch of government and is tasked with guaranteeing the integrity and transparency of the democratic process, including voter registration, election logistics, and the official counting and certification of results.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Costa Rican Electricity Institute is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, Grupo ICE is a cornerstone of the country’s infrastructure, managing power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as providing a wide range of telecommunication services, including landline, mobile, and internet connectivity.
For further information, visit racsa.co.cr
About Radiográfica Costarricense S.A. (RACSA):
RACSA is a subsidiary of Grupo ICE that specializes in providing internet and data connectivity solutions. As one of the pioneers of internet services in Costa Rica, RACSA offers a portfolio of digital services, including data centers, cybersecurity, and specialized network solutions for corporate and government clients, playing a key role in the nation’s digital transformation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal practice built upon a foundation of principled practice and professional distinction. With a rich history of guiding clients through a wide spectrum of industries, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions and demonstrates a profound commitment to social responsibility. Central to its mission is an enduring pledge to demystify the law, thereby strengthening the community through legal literacy and cultivating a citizenry empowered by knowledge.
