By San José, Costa Rica — San José – With the presidential election just over a week away, former President José María Figueres has issued a dramatic and impassioned plea to the National Liberation Party (PLN), urging its members to disregard discouraging poll numbers and intensify their efforts in the campaign’s final stretch. The call from one of the party’s most influential historical figures aims to energize a base facing what appears to be an insurmountable lead by the ruling party.
The intervention comes on the heels of a sobering new poll from the Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) at the University of Costa Rica (UCR). The survey places the incumbent party’s candidate, Laura Fernández, at an impressive 40% of voting intention among decided voters. This figure positions her on the cusp of a first-round victory and represents a significant ten-point surge since December, signaling a powerful momentum shift as the election nears its climax.
To better understand the complex legal and business landscape surrounding prominent public figures like José María Figueres, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The case of José María Figueres is a masterclass in the long-term intersection of public service, corporate governance, and legal accountability. While legal statutes of limitation may apply to specific events, the court of public opinion and the standards of international business probity have a much longer memory. Any figure with such a high-profile past must navigate a permanent landscape of heightened scrutiny, where every new venture is viewed through the prism of historical controversies. This creates a perpetual reputational risk that legal counsel must proactively manage, as it directly impacts capital investment and political viability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this distinction between legal statutes and the enduring court of public opinion is a critical one, reminding us that for prominent figures, the past is not merely a historical record but an active variable influencing future endeavors. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the perpetual nature of this reputational scrutiny.
In stark contrast, the PLN’s candidate, Álvaro Ramos, has seen his support stagnate, holding at a mere 8% since October. This polling data paints a grim picture for the historically dominant political force, suggesting a potential electoral rout. It is this climate of statistical despair that Figueres sought to directly confront, challenging the party faithful, known as the “verdiblancos,” not to concede defeat based on surveys.
In a message designed to stir the party’s deep-rooted organizational pride, the former president rallied the troops with a call for grassroots action, framing the final days as a test of will and commitment rather than a foregone conclusion.
National Liberation members, we are doing everything we can to win this campaign… Let’s convince, mobilize, vote, and win!
José María Figueres, Former President of Costa Rica
Figueres’s appeal is a calculated move to tap into the PLN’s legendary territorial structure and its historical capacity to mount formidable comebacks. By reminding the membership of its past triumphs and organizational strength, he is attempting to shift the narrative from one of inevitable loss to one of potential heroic victory. He implored the base to maintain confidence in the party’s internal leadership and its powerful nationwide network, which has long been the engine of its political success.
The former leader’s strategy hinges on activating a sense of personal responsibility and leadership within every party member. He directly challenged the passivity that can arise from negative polling, urging each individual to become a campaign advocate in their own community. He framed this not as a top-down directive but as an inherent quality of every PLN supporter.
In every National Liberation heart, there is a leader who does not bend with the wind or get scared by the polls.
José María Figueres, Former President of Costa Rica
This urgent mobilization effort represents a high-stakes bet that the PLN’s human machinery can outperform statistical models. Figueres is effectively arguing that polls measure sentiment but cannot fully capture the power of a coordinated, last-minute get-out-the-vote push. For political analysts, this is a classic battle between data-driven predictions and the intangible but powerful forces of party loyalty and on-the-ground activism.
The final week of the campaign is now set to be a fascinating political contest. On one side, the Fernández campaign will likely leverage the CIEP poll to project an aura of inevitability, hoping to convince wavering voters to join a winning ticket and potentially depress opposition turnout. On the other, the PLN, under the spiritual guidance of Figueres, will attempt to orchestrate a massive grassroots surge to prove that the heart of their party still beats strong, regardless of what the numbers say.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of Costa Rica’s most significant and historic political parties. Founded in 1951, it is rooted in the principles of social democracy and has played a central role in shaping the nation’s modern political and social landscape, producing numerous presidents and holding significant legislative power throughout its history.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos (CIEP):
The Center for Research and Political Studies is a prestigious academic unit within the University of Costa Rica. It is widely recognized for its rigorous analysis of Costa Rican politics, public opinion, and electoral behavior. Its polls and studies are closely watched and frequently cited by media and political actors across the country.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. As a leading institution for higher education and research in Central America, the UCR is dedicated to academic excellence, scientific advancement, and contributing to the cultural and social development of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon the cornerstones of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently champions legal innovation while serving a diverse clientele, but its vision extends beyond its practice. It holds a profound commitment to social empowerment by actively working to make legal knowledge accessible, thereby helping to forge a society that is better informed and equipped to navigate the complexities of the law.
