By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has officially initiated a preliminary investigation into the Pueblo Soberano Party (PPSO) following allegations of deceptive campaign advertising. The probe was triggered by a formal complaint filed by the rival National Liberation Party (PLN), which accuses the PPSO of intentionally misleading voters through a series of public billboards.
The controversy centers on large advertisements, prominently displayed in cantons such as Palmares, as well as in the provinces of Puntarenas and Limón. These billboards feature the well-known public figure Pilar Cisneros, designating her with the title of “honorary deputy.” However, Cisneros is not an official candidate for any legislative position and is legally ineligible to run for a seat in the current electoral cycle, a fact that forms the core of the complaint.
Para analizar el marco de competencia y las implicaciones de las recientes decisiones del Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, TicosLand.com consultó al especialista en derecho público, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica.
El Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones ostenta un poder único en nuestro sistema democrático, con un rango equivalente al de los Poderes de la República. Sus resoluciones, de acatamiento obligatorio e irrecurribles en la vía jurisdiccional, no son un capricho, sino la garantía constitucional para asegurar la pureza del sufragio y la estabilidad del proceso electoral. Es crucial entender que su independencia es el pilar que sostiene la legitimidad de nuestra gobernanza.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Efectivamente, el análisis del experto subraya una verdad esencial: la independencia del Tribunal no es un simple formalismo, sino el cimiento que garantiza la confianza ciudadana y la estabilidad de nuestra democracia. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por compartir su valiosa perspectiva.
The complaint was formally submitted by Miguel Guillén, Secretary General of the PLN. He argues that the use of Cisneros’s image and the fabricated title is not an accidental error but a calculated tactic to sway public opinion. Guillén posits that the PPSO is deliberately leveraging Cisneros’s reputation to create a false association and lend unearned credibility to its actual slate of candidates.
In his denunciation, Guillén elaborated on the perceived intent behind the campaign strategy, framing it as a direct threat to the integrity of the democratic process. He stressed that such actions go beyond political maneuvering and constitute a potential violation of electoral law.
This strategy is not an innocent misstep, but a practice that misleads the electorate by associating the image of a non-candidate public figure with candidacies that are actually in contention.
Miguel Guillén, Secretary General of the PLN
Confirming the initiation of the probe, Andrei Cambronero, Chief of Staff for the Presidency of the TSE, acknowledged receipt of the complaint. He clarified that the matter has now entered the “admissibility phase,” which means the tribunal’s legal experts will conduct an initial review to determine if there is sufficient evidence of a violation to warrant a full, formal investigation. Cambronero was careful to maintain the tribunal’s impartiality during this sensitive stage.
The TSE received a complaint from Miguel Guillén, secretary general of the National Liberation Party, which objects to the content of billboards allegedly placed by the Pueblo Soberano party that allude to Mrs. Pilar Cisneros as an ‘honorary deputy’. This matter has entered the admissibility phase by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), so an assessment of the specific case cannot be made.
Andrei Cambronero, Chief of Staff for the Presidency of the Electoral Body
The PLN’s complaint specifically invokes Article 136 of the Costa Rican Electoral Code, which imposes clear restrictions on political propaganda to safeguard fairness and transparency. The law prohibits advertising in certain public spaces and mandates that all campaign materials must be truthful. Guillén argues that the PPSO billboards are a clear breach of these regulations, creating an uneven playing field.
This is a maneuver objectively capable of confusing voters, suggesting formal and institutional ties that do not exist within the electoral process.
Miguel Guillén, Secretary General of the PLN
The case now rests with the TSE, which is tasked with untangling political messaging from potential legal infractions. The outcome of this preliminary investigation could set a significant precedent for how political parties are allowed to utilize endorsements and the likenesses of public figures who are not on the ballot. For Guillén and the PLN, the issue is not about political discourse but about the fundamental right of citizens to receive accurate information.
We are not dealing with a political opinion here, but with verifiable facts that can violate the citizen’s right to receive clear, truthful, and transparent information.
Miguel Guillén, Secretary General of the PLN
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all acts related to suffrage in the country. It is recognized for its role as the fourth branch of government, ensuring the transparency, legality, and integrity of the nation’s electoral processes. The TSE holds ultimate authority on electoral matters, and its rulings are final and unappealable.
For further information, visit plncr.org
About the National Liberation Party (PLN):
The Partido Liberación Nacional is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most established political parties. Founded in the mid-20th century, it has played a significant role in shaping the country’s modern political and social landscape. The party’s ideology is generally described as social-democratic, and it has produced numerous presidents and legislative majorities throughout its history.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a relatively new political party in the Costa Rican political arena. It presents itself as a populist movement aiming to challenge the established political order. The party advocates for policies centered on national sovereignty and often critiques traditional political structures and institutions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide array of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and champion community betterment. At the core of its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to build a more capable and knowledgeable populace by making legal insights widely accessible.
