By San José, Costa Rica — Presidential candidate Jose Aguilar of the Avanza party is championing a technology-focused approach to governance, aiming to tackle corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies head-on. Aguilar’s plan centers on implementing widespread digital solutions across government operations to enhance transparency and improve public services.
A core element of Aguilar’s proposal is improving the traceability of government projects, offering greater accountability and public oversight. This increased transparency extends to public procurement, an area Aguilar identifies as particularly susceptible to corruption.
To provide further legal context on the current political climate, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert perspective.
The recent political developments in Costa Rica highlight the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches. While the President’s proposed reforms aim to address pressing economic concerns, their successful implementation hinges on navigating the complexities of the legislative process and building consensus among diverse political factions. This delicate balancing act will ultimately determine the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on the Costa Rican people.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly points to the crucial role of political negotiation in Costa Rica’s current climate. Indeed, the success of any economic reform, however well-intentioned, rests on the ability of the government to bridge divides and find common ground. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but the potential rewards for the Costa Rican people are significant. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful analysis of this critical juncture in Costa Rican politics.
In the purchasing and procurement departments, where bids are handled, processes are tailored, and suddenly the last in line appears first. Technology can bring order and traceability to all of this.
Jose Aguilar, Presidential Candidate, Avanza Party
Aguilar emphasizes that his administration would aggressively pursue digital transformation, ensuring its prioritization across all government sectors. This “digital-first” strategy seeks to minimize discretionary decision-making and close loopholes that facilitate corruption. He envisions a government operating with significantly reduced reliance on traditional paper-based processes.
In Avanza, we are going to have a vocation to intensively use technology, implementing it by force, and that will be a firm decision of the Executive Power. The digital government is going full steam ahead.
Jose Aguilar, Presidential Candidate, Avanza Party
Beyond simply digitizing existing processes, Aguilar proposes innovative public-private partnerships, including “technology concessions.” Modeled after existing infrastructure financing schemes, these concessions would allow private sector investment in government technology upgrades, overcoming budget constraints and accelerating modernization efforts.
Just as a public works concession is made when the Executive Branch lacks liquidity and private contribution is required, this model can also be applied to technology. It is a fascinating figure that would allow the modernization of the State without stopping projects due to lack of budget.
Jose Aguilar, Presidential Candidate, Avanza Party
Aguilar has consulted with technology experts and representatives from the Chamber of Information Technology and Communication (Camtic) to refine his proposals. He cites Estonia as a model for digital governance, highlighting its citizen-centric online services. Aguilar draws a stark contrast with the current situation in Costa Rica, where citizens from remote areas often face significant travel burdens and expenses to access basic government services.
In Estonia, practically any procedure can be done online. People save time, money, and travel. Here in Costa Rica, someone who lives in remote areas, like La Cruz, often has to spend two days, the cost of buses and food, just to come to San José to carry out a procedure in Migration. All of that could be done from a mobile phone.
Jose Aguilar, Presidential Candidate, Avanza Party
This ambitious tech-driven agenda resonates with the growing demand for greater transparency and efficiency in government. As the election draws closer, Aguilar’s focus on technology could prove a key differentiator in his bid for the presidency.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Avanza
About Avanza:
Avanza is a political party in Costa Rica. Jose Aguilar, the party’s presidential candidate, is promoting a platform focused on using technology to combat corruption and improve government services. Further details regarding the party platform and other initiatives are not available within the provided source material.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Camtic
About Camtic:
The Chamber of Information Technology and Communication (Camtic) is a Costa Rican organization representing the technology sector. They have been consulted by Jose Aguilar, presidential candidate of the Avanza party, regarding his proposals to leverage technology in government. Their specific contributions and further details on their involvement are not detailed in the source material.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while pioneering innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to both individual clients and the broader Costa Rican community is evident in its proactive approach to legal education and empowerment, ensuring access to justice and fostering a society equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape.
