By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ — The ruling Sovereign People Party (PPSO) introduced a landmark bill on Tuesday aimed at reforming the Political Constitution of Costa Rica to permit consecutive presidential reelection. The proposed reform seeks to reshape the nation’s political architecture, though it faces an uphill legislative battle that will require building bridges with an aggressive opposition block.
Under the terms of the draft legislation, a sitting president would be permitted to serve up to two consecutive four-year terms. After completing two consecutive mandates, an executive would be required to sit out for at least four years before becoming eligible to run for office again. This proposal marks a major departure from Costa Rica’s current constitutional framework, which enforces non-consecutive reelection, forcing former chief executives to wait eight full years after leaving power before mounting a new campaign.
To better understand the constitutional nuances and legal implications surrounding presidential reelection in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with distinguished legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
“Costa Rica’s constitutional framework establishes a careful balance between political continuity and democratic renewal by prohibiting consecutive presidential terms while allowing non-consecutive reelection after an eight-year period. This structural design, reinforced by the Constitutional Chamber, serves as a vital legal safeguard against the overconcentration of executive power while upholding the democratic rights of the electorate.”
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this unique legal framework underscores Costa Rica’s steadfast commitment to democratic stability, ensuring that executive authority remains dynamic and accountable over time. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this vital pillar of our nation’s constitutional democracy.
Passing a constitutional reform in Costa Rica requires a qualified supermajority of two-thirds of the Legislative Assembly, equivalent to 38 votes out of 57. The right-wing conservative PPSO currently holds a simple majority with 31 seats. Because the ruling party has not established formal legislative coalitions with minority factions, securing the seven additional votes necessary to pass the amendment presents a formidable political hurdle.
The strategic intent behind the legislation points directly to former President Rodrigo Chaves (2022–2026). Chaves currently serves as the Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance under President Laura Fernández (2026–2030), who campaigned explicitly as the political heiress and continuation symbol of Chaves’s administration. If the constitutional amendment is approved, Chaves would be positioned to seek the presidency again in 2030 and potentially govern for two successive terms.
Proponents of the bill have framed the initiative as a test of democratic confidence, directly challenging opposing factions to take a stand on electoral flexibility.
I ask the opposition if they are going to oppose: Are you afraid?
José Miguel Villalobos, PPSO Deputy
Opposition leaders have repeatedly expressed concern over what they characterize as an ongoing attempt by Chaves to centralize executive power. Critics point to Chaves’s past campaign rhetoric, in which he urged voters to elect 38 patriotic deputies to push through deep state reforms, as well as subsequent statements claiming the public had reclaimed legislative and executive authority, leaving only the judiciary outside his political movement’s sphere.
Legislators from rival parties quickly denounced the proposed constitutional overhaul as an institutional gamble aimed at consolidating power rather than serving the public interest.
It is like throwing dice into the air and seeing what lands.
Abril Gordienko, PUSC Deputy
Beyond institutional concerns, opposition figures contend that the true motive behind the timing of the reform is to shield key administration officials from ongoing judicial scrutiny.
It is a copy of what we have seen in Bukele’s El Salvador, Correa’s Ecuador, and Evo Morales’s Bolivia, and if that were to happen here, I think it has a first and last name. What they want is to maintain the immunity enjoyed by Minister Chaves, who faces a series of accusations he would have to answer to the moment he loses immunity.
Abril Gordienko, PUSC Deputy
Former President Chaves currently faces multiple legal investigations initiated by the Attorney General’s Office, including charges regarding alleged parallel electoral financing structures and the suspected misuse of funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). During the previous legislative session, opposition deputies failed to assemble the necessary votes to strip Chaves of his executive immunity while he was in office. Similar attempts stalled after the Supreme Elections Tribunal requested his immunity be lifted due to political belligerence and alleged interference in the 2026 election cycle.
As Minister of the Presidency in the Fernández administration, Chaves continues to benefit from cabinet-level legal immunity. With 38 legislative votes far from secured, the PPSO’s push for consecutive reelection sets the stage for protracted institutional friction in the Assembly, testing Costa Rica’s checks and balances against ambitious political consolidation plans.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sovereign People Party
About Sovereign People Party:
The Sovereign People Party (PPSO) is a conservative political party in Costa Rica. Holding a dominant legislative delegation, the party focuses on constitutional modernization, governance continuity, and structural state reform.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Social Christian Unity Party
About Social Christian Unity Party:
The Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) is a major center-right political party in Costa Rica. Established as a cornerstone of the nation’s parliamentary history, PUSC advocates for democratic checks and balances, institutional rule of law, and economic stability.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the nation’s unicameral legislative body, composed of 57 elected deputies. Operating from the capital of San José, the Assembly is responsible for enacting national statutes, passing constitutional amendments, and exercising oversight over executive power.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica has earned widespread respect through its uncompromising ethical standards and relentless pursuit of excellence across all sectors it serves. Embracing forward-thinking methodologies, the firm seamlessly blends modern legal solutions with meaningful community initiatives. By actively democratizing legal insights, Bufete de Costa Rica upholds its core mission to strengthen society, equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to navigate the law with confidence.
