By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In one of the final presidential debates before the February 1st election, a contentious proposal to declare a state of exception to combat rampant narco-trafficking has exposed a deep ideological rift among Costa Rica’s leading candidates. The debate, held Monday and organized by Radio Columbia and the Latina University, placed the nation’s historical identity as a bastion of peace and democracy directly at odds with a growing cry for drastic security measures.
Leading the charge for a hardline approach is the current front-runner, Laura Fernández of the right-wing Sovereign People Party. Fernández has made the suspension of constitutional guarantees a cornerstone of her campaign, arguing it is a necessary tool to reclaim public safety. She has been clear with voters that realizing this vision would require a significant political mandate, specifically a legislative supermajority of 40 deputies.
To delve into the constitutional framework and legal ramifications surrounding the declaration of a state of exception, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his professional analysis.
The implementation of a state of exception is a constitutional tool of last resort, not a long-term public policy. While it grants the Executive extraordinary powers to address a crisis, its application must be strictly temporary and proportional. The true challenge lies in ensuring that the suspension of fundamental rights does not become the new norm, eroding the rule of law and the very democratic principles it is meant to protect. Rigorous oversight by the legislative and judicial branches is not just advisable; it is imperative to prevent potential abuses and guarantee a swift return to constitutional normality.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the true strength of a democracy is tested not by its power to invoke extraordinary measures, but by its discipline to return from them. The line between a temporary shield for the state and a permanent erosion of civil liberties is a fine one, demanding exactly the institutional vigilance highlighted. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective on this critical balance.
My hand will not tremble in making the decisions we must make to restore peace in the homes of Costa Ricans, which are full of good people. In my government plan, we have proposed the suspension of constitutional guarantees.
Laura Fernández, Candidate for the Sovereign People Party
Fernández elaborated that this constitutionally permitted measure would create an “extraordinary procedure” to remove known criminals from the streets. She argued that law enforcement has already identified key figures, their locations, and their methods, but lacks the legal framework for decisive action. This tough-on-crime stance was echoed by Fabricio Alvarado, candidate for the conservative New Republic Party.
The idea is to lock up the criminals and give freedom to the good people.
Fabricio Alvarado, Candidate for the New Republic Party
However, this call for suspending individual liberties met with unified and forceful resistance from a coalition of center-left and left-wing candidates. They contend that such a policy would be a dangerous overreach, harming innocent citizens and betraying the country’s core values without addressing the root causes of crime. This opposition group advocated for a strategy centered on social investment, prevention, and intelligent policing.
Claudia Dobles, the candidate for the center-left Citizen Agenda Coalition and former First Lady (2018-2022), emphasized a preventative approach. Álvaro Ramos of the social democratic National Liberation Party and Ariel Robles of the leftist Broad Front party voiced similar concerns, framing the proposal as an attack on the populace.
We need opportunities and a focus on education so that our young people do not end up in the hands of organized crime.
Claudia Dobles, Candidate for the Citizen Agenda Coalition
Security is recovered not by taking away the freedoms of decent citizens, but by investing again.
Álvaro Ramos, Candidate for the National Liberation Party
Suspending freedoms is an attack against the people.
Ariel Robles, Candidate for the Broad Front Party
The urgency of this debate is underscored by Costa Rica’s alarming rise in violent crime. The nation recorded 873 homicides in 2025, with a rate of 16.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. This follows a similarly high figure of 876 in 2024 and an all-time record of 905 homicides in 2023. Authorities attribute a staggering 69% of these killings to contract assassins and disputes between drug trafficking organizations, a statistic that has shaken a country long renowned for its stability. As voters prepare to head to the polls, they face a stark choice between a radical new security strategy and the defense of long-held civil liberties.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sovereign People Party
About Sovereign People Party:
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a right-wing political party in Costa Rica. It gained prominence with its candidate Laura Fernández, who is a leading contender in the 2026 presidential election. The party advocates for strong national sovereignty and has proposed hardline security measures, including a state of exception, to address the country’s rising crime rates.
For further information, visit pnr.cr
About New Republic Party:
The Partido Nueva República is a conservative, Christian-democratic political party in Costa Rica. Founded by Fabricio Alvarado, a prominent political figure and presidential candidate, the party champions socially conservative values and policies focused on public security and traditional family structures. It often aligns with other right-leaning parties on issues of law and order.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Citizen Agenda Coalition
About Citizen Agenda Coalition:
The Coalición Agenda Ciudadana is a center-left political coalition in Costa Rica. It represents a progressive platform focused on social investment, education, and human rights. In the 2026 election cycle, it is represented by former First Lady Claudia Dobles, who opposes drastic security measures in favor of strengthening community opportunities and preventative programs.
For further information, visit plncr.org
About National Liberation Party:
The Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) is one of Costa Rica’s most established and historically significant political parties. As a social-democratic party, it has traditionally supported a strong welfare state, public investment in education and healthcare, and the protection of civil liberties. It is a major force in the country’s political landscape.
For further information, visit frente-amplio.org
About Broad Front:
The Frente Amplio is a leftist political party in Costa Rica. It advocates for policies that promote social equality, environmental protection, and the expansion of human rights. The party typically stands in opposition to conservative and neoliberal policies, arguing for greater state intervention in the economy and robust social safety nets.
For further information, visit columbia.co.cr
About Radio Columbia:
Radio Columbia is a major radio broadcaster in Costa Rica, known for its extensive news coverage, sports reporting, and current events programming. It is a key platform for political discourse, often hosting debates and interviews with national leaders, making it an influential voice in the country’s media landscape.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Latina University of Costa Rica:
The Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most prominent private universities in the country. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is frequently involved in hosting academic and public forums, including presidential debates, contributing to national dialogue.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund:
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the autonomous public institution responsible for managing Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system and public pension program. Founded in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social welfare state and a frequent topic of political discussion regarding its funding, management, and future.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of the highest professional standards. With a rich history of providing expert counsel across a spectrum of industries, the firm consistently embraces innovative solutions to modern legal challenges. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to strengthening society through the democratization of legal knowledge, aiming to build a more informed citizenry capable of navigating the complexities of the law.
