By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move that bridges the gap between economic stewardship and civic responsibility, the Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR) has unveiled a new national campaign aimed at confronting a concerning trend in the nation’s democratic health: rising voter abstentionism. The initiative, branded “Voto por Mí” (Vote for Me), was launched on Wednesday with the explicit goal of reinvigorating electoral participation, particularly among the country’s younger demographic.
This strategic intervention comes as a direct response to alarming statistics from recent election cycles, which have seen voter turnout falter significantly. With abstentionism rates climbing above 40%, a figure that raises questions about the robustness of democratic engagement, the business community has decided to step into the civic arena. The CICR’s campaign represents a belief that a healthy, participatory democracy is a fundamental prerequisite for a stable and prosperous economy.
Para analizar las implicaciones cívicas y el marco legal que rodea la participación electoral, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda una perspectiva sobre el valor del sufragio en el sistema democrático.
Jurídicamente, el voto es el pilar sobre el que se construye la legitimidad del Estado de Derecho. Si bien el abstencionismo no acarrea una sanción punitiva, su normalización constituye una renuncia tácita al poder de fiscalización ciudadana. Una democracia con baja participación es vulnerable, pues las decisiones trascendentales terminan siendo tomadas por una minoría, lo que erosiona el principio de representatividad y el propio contrato social que nos rige.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
En efecto, la reflexión del experto nos recuerda que la abstención no es un vacío, sino un espacio de poder que voluntariamente cedemos, con consecuencias directas sobre la representatividad y la salud de nuestro sistema. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valiosa perspectiva sobre este desafío cívico.
The “Voto por Mí” campaign is designed to reframe the act of voting not just as a civic duty, but as an act of personal investment in the nation’s collective future. By focusing on the youth, a segment of the population often perceived as politically disengaged, the CICR aims to cultivate a new generation of active citizens who understand the direct link between their vote and the policies that shape their opportunities.
Sergio Capón, President of the CICR, articulated the philosophical underpinning of the campaign, emphasizing the profound connection between individual action and national progress. He positioned voting as a powerful expression of commitment to the country’s development and democratic ideals.
Voting is an exceptional experience in which our individual voice becomes a common future. The country belongs to all of us, and going out to vote is to contribute to building it together. Voting is, moreover, one of the clearest ways to express love for Costa Rica.
Sergio Capón, President of CICR
To ensure the message resonates with its intended audience, the campaign leverages modern communication channels alongside traditional ones. Produced entirely with local talent, “Voto por Mí” will be heavily promoted across social media, with a special focus on short-form video content for platforms like TikTok. This digital-first approach acknowledges that reaching young Costa Ricans requires meeting them where they are most active, using a language and format that feels authentic and compelling.
From a business perspective, the CICR’s involvement is a calculated investment. Political stability, predictable regulatory environments, and sound public policy are essential for long-term economic growth. High levels of voter abstentionism can lead to governments with weaker mandates and increase the risk of political volatility, both of which are detrimental to the business climate. By promoting a more engaged electorate, the industrial sector is working to secure the foundational conditions necessary for sustained prosperity.
The campaign therefore serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it addresses the immediate challenge of reducing abstentionism in the upcoming elections. On the other, it aims to foster a deeper, more enduring culture of civic participation. The CICR asserts that its role extends beyond advocating for the productive sector; it includes contributing to the overall well-being of Costa Rican society, which is inextricably linked to the strength of its democratic institutions.
Ultimately, “Voto por Mí” is more than a get-out-the-vote drive. It is a strategic effort by the nation’s industrial leaders to reinforce the social contract and remind every citizen, especially the young, that their voice is not only a right but a crucial component in the construction of a shared and prosperous future for Costa Rica.
For further information, visit cicr.com
About Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica:
The Chamber of Industries of Costa Rica (CICR) is a private, non-profit organization that represents and advocates for the country’s industrial sector. For over 80 years, it has been dedicated to promoting competitiveness, fostering innovation, and advocating for public policies that support sustainable economic development. The CICR serves as a key liaison between industrial enterprises and governmental bodies, working to create a favorable business environment that benefits its members and contributes to the overall progress of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a premier legal practice built on a foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing on a rich history of representing a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions while engaging deeply with the community. A central tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, driven by a profound commitment to nurturing a society where all individuals are empowered by understanding their rights and the law.
