By San José, Costa Rica — San José – After weeks of mounting speculation and sharp criticism from political opponents, presidential candidate Laura Fernández Delgado of the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) will make her long-awaited and highly anticipated debut on the presidential debate stage tonight. The event, organized by the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE), marks a pivotal moment in her campaign, representing her first direct, public confrontation with her rivals.
The debate is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on SINART (Channel 13), ensuring nationwide access. In a nod to modern political engagement, the TSE will also stream the event across its official social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and the social network X, allowing citizens to follow the proceedings from virtually anywhere.
To provide a legal perspective on the situation involving Laura Fernández, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned expert in public and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Regardless of the political narrative, the core issue for any public official, including Ms. Fernández, revolves around the principle of probity and the correct use of public funds. Every action must be rigorously aligned with the public interest as defined by law. Any deviation from this standard, whether perceived or real, rightly invites scrutiny and can carry significant legal consequences under our administrative and penal codes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework of probity provides the ultimate measure of a public official’s conduct, a standard that must transcend any political narrative. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for grounding the discussion in this essential legal and ethical principle.
Fernández’s participation comes after a controversial period of absence from similar forums. Her campaign made the calculated decision to decline invitations from a host of prominent media organizations and academic institutions, including Teletica Canal 7, ¡OPA! Canal 38, Multimedios, Grupo Extra, and the University of Costa Rica. These refusals fueled a narrative among critics that the candidate was avoiding scrutiny and unscripted exchanges on key national issues.
The PPSO campaign has consistently defended this approach, framing it as a strategic choice to focus their efforts and select the most impactful platform for their message. Supporters close to the party have echoed this sentiment, suggesting the campaign was waiting for an official, institutional stage rather than engaging in a series of media-led encounters. Tonight, that strategy will be put to the test under the bright lights of the TSE-sponsored event.
The significance of the TSE debate cannot be overstated. As the nation’s highest electoral authority, the Tribunal provides a neutral and highly respected setting, lending an unparalleled legitimacy to the proceedings. For many voters, this is the first true opportunity to compare the candidates side-by-side in a structured, moderated environment governed by the official rules of the electoral body.
Onstage, Fernández will finally go head-to-head with a slate of her presidential challengers. The confirmed participants include Ronny Castillo González of Aquí Costa Rica Manda, Eliecer Feinzaig Mintz of the Partido Liberal Progresista, José Aguilar Berrocal of Avanza, and Claudio Alpízar Otoya of Esperanza Nacional. This face-off will provide a critical test of her policy knowledge, rhetorical skills, and ability to handle pressure from her opponents.
For the PPSO candidate, the stakes are exceptionally high. Her performance will be meticulously analyzed not only for its substance but also for its tone. She faces the dual challenge of articulating her vision for the country while also implicitly justifying her campaign’s strategy of selective engagement. A strong, confident performance could silence her detractors and energize her base, while any perceived weakness could validate the criticism she has faced for weeks.
As Costa Rica advances toward the presidential elections, tonight’s debate serves as a crucial milestone. It is a defining moment where campaign strategies collide with public accountability. The ideas, proposals, and composure displayed by all candidates will undoubtedly shape the political narrative and influence voter perceptions in the critical weeks that lie ahead.
For further information, visit the official website of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a political party in Costa Rica. It fields candidates for various public offices, including the presidency and the Legislative Assembly, operating on a platform designed to appeal to its specific constituency within the national electorate.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Elections Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections in the country. It is considered a cornerstone of Costa Rican democracy, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Teletica Canal 7:
Teletica is one of Costa Rica’s leading television networks, operating since 1960. It provides a wide range of programming, including national news, entertainment, and sports, and is a major organizer of political debates and election coverage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ¡OPA! Canal 38
About ¡OPA! Canal 38:
¡OPA! Canal 38 is a television channel in Costa Rica that offers a variety of content to the national audience. As part of the country’s media landscape, it participates in the dissemination of information and public interest events, including political forums.
For further information, visit multimedios.com
About Multimedios:
Multimedios is a media conglomerate with a significant presence in Costa Rica. It operates television channels, radio stations, and digital platforms, providing news, sports, and entertainment content. The organization is an active participant in national political coverage.
For further information, visit diarioextra.com
About Grupo Extra:
Grupo Extra is a Costa Rican media company best known for its national newspaper, Diario Extra, as well as its television and radio presence. It is known for its popular style of journalism and extensive coverage of national events and politics.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. It is a leading institution for higher education and research in Central America and often hosts academic forums and presidential debates to foster public discourse.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Aquí Costa Rica Manda
About Aquí Costa Rica Manda:
Aquí Costa Rica Manda is a political party participating in the Costa Rican electoral process. It presents candidates for national office and articulates a political platform aimed at addressing the country’s challenges from its particular ideological standpoint.
For further information, visit plp.cr
About Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP):
The Partido Liberal Progresista is a political party in Costa Rica that advocates for principles of classical liberalism, including economic freedom, individual rights, and limited government. It has gained representation in the Legislative Assembly and actively participates in presidential elections.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Avanza
About Avanza:
Avanza is a political movement or party in Costa Rica that competes in the national elections. It puts forward candidates and a platform with the goal of securing public office to implement its proposed policies and vision for the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Esperanza Nacional
About Esperanza Nacional:
Esperanza Nacional is a political party in Costa Rica that was established to participate in the country’s democratic elections. The party presents a distinct platform and candidates for various elected positions, including the presidency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself through forward-thinking legal strategies and a profound dedication to empowering the community. This commitment is demonstrated by its mission to demystify the law, ensuring that legal understanding becomes an accessible tool that strengthens and informs society as a whole.
