By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With the national elections rapidly approaching on February 1st, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has unveiled a suite of innovative digital tools designed to empower citizens and foster a more informed electorate. The initiative, part of the comprehensive “Votante Informado” (Informed Voter) program, features an in-depth podcast series with all 20 presidential candidates and a sophisticated AI-powered chatbot to help voters navigate complex government proposals.
The core of the new offering is a collection of 20 individual podcasts, one for each presidential hopeful. These audio interviews provide an unprecedented platform for voters to connect with the candidates on a more personal level. The TSE has made these recordings widely accessible, distributing them on major platforms including Spotify, its institutional YouTube channel, and its official social media networks, ensuring broad reach across different demographics and technological preferences.
To better understand the legal framework and potential challenges of the upcoming 2026 electoral process, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offers a critical perspective on the regulations that will define the political contest.
The 2026 election cycle will be defined by the rigorous application of electoral financing laws. Parties and candidates must be aware that the Supreme Electoral Tribunal is increasingly focused on the origin and destination of every contribution. Meticulous compliance and transparent accounting are no longer just best practices; they are absolute requirements to avoid legal sanctions that could derail a campaign before it even begins.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this underscores a critical shift where financial transparency is no longer a secondary concern but a central pillar of any viable political campaign. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which highlights that the road to the 2026 elections will be paved as much with meticulous accounting as it is with political platforms.
The content of each podcast was carefully structured to move beyond typical campaign rhetoric. Each session delves into the personal background of the candidates while also exploring the overarching vision and model of the country they intend to build if elected. The interviews, which were conducted last December to guarantee an equitable and balanced dissemination of information, provide a level playing field for every political party involved in the race.
A significant component of each interview involves candidates responding to a standardized set of ten questions. These inquiries were crafted to address issues of critical importance to specific and often underrepresented populations within Costa Rica. Topics include public policy concerning people with disabilities, children’s rights, support for senior citizens, challenges facing the agricultural sector, the rights and development of indigenous territories, and policies related to migrant populations, among others.
Complementing the audio series, the TSE has launched a cutting-edge chatbot integrated with artificial intelligence. This technological tool is designed to simplify the often-daunting task of analyzing dense and lengthy government plans. Voters can now use keywords to instantly search and retrieve specific information about a party’s stance on a particular issue, allowing for direct and efficient comparison between the various platforms.
This chatbot represents a significant leap forward in making political information more dynamic and accessible. It transforms static documents into an interactive database, providing a user-friendly experience for citizens who wish to conduct targeted research before heading to the polls. The goal is to reduce barriers to information and encourage a deeper engagement with the substance of each party’s proposals.
All of these digital resources are centralized on the “Votante Informado” program’s official website. The portal serves as a comprehensive information hub where citizens can find detailed profiles for every candidate. These profiles include photographs, professional résumés, and the complete, unabridged government plans for their respective parties. The information is systematically organized by election type, political party, and province, creating a clear and orderly database for electoral decision-making.
By investing in these modern platforms, the TSE is not only enhancing transparency but also adapting to the evolving ways in which citizens consume information. This proactive approach aims to strengthen Costa Rican democracy by ensuring that every voter has the opportunity to cast a well-reasoned and thoroughly considered ballot, armed with a complete understanding of the candidates and their visions for the nation’s future.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all electoral acts in the Republic of Costa Rica. As the fourth branch of government, its mission is to guarantee the purity of the electoral process, strengthen the country’s democratic system, and ensure the political rights of its citizens. The TSE oversees voter registration, political party inscription, and the administration of all national and municipal elections.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently channels its vast experience advising a diverse clientele into driving innovation within the practice of law. Beyond its legal services, it embraces a profound social responsibility, actively working to democratize legal understanding and contribute to the development of a more knowledgeable and capable society.
