By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The race for the presidency has officially begun. As of this Wednesday, October 1st, Costa Rica’s political parties have entered a four-month marathon campaign leading up to the national elections on February 1, 2026. With the starting gun fired by the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE), a complex and competitive field of contenders can now vie for public attention and, crucially, a share of ₡5.89 billion in advance state funding.
This substantial sum, part of the country’s “political debt” system, is designed to provide parties with the upfront capital needed to finance their campaigns for the presidency, vice presidencies, and the Legislative Assembly. The total state contribution for the 2026 election cycle amounts to an impressive ₡39.29 billion. The advance available to parties represents 15% of that total, a critical injection of funds before a single vote is cast.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities and regulatory framework governing campaign contributions in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integrity of our democratic process hinges on the absolute transparency and legality of election financing. The current legislation establishes a critical bulwark against illicit capital and undue influence, but its effectiveness depends on rigorous enforcement and the unwavering ethical commitment of the political parties themselves. Any deviation not only risks severe legal sanctions but, more importantly, corrodes the public trust that is the essential foundation of our republic.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a powerful reminder that the legal framework for election financing is not an end in itself, but a means to protect the essential bond of public trust. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the profound responsibility that rests with our political institutions.
The distribution of this advance funding is governed by specific rules laid out in the Electoral Code. According to Ronald Chacón, Head of the Department of Political Party Financing at the TSE, the system is designed to accommodate parties of different scales. He detailed the legal framework that underpins this crucial financial process.
For the 2026 presidential election process, 15% will be allocated for advance financing, of which 80% is distributed among the nationally registered parties and the remaining 20% among those registered at the provincial level, in equal sums, according to their registration scale.
Ronald Chacón, Head of the Department of Political Party Financing, Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE)
This breakdown means that approximately ₡4.71 billion is earmarked for parties with a national presence, while ₡1.18 billion is reserved for those competing only at the provincial level. This distinction is significant, as provincial parties can field candidates for the Legislative Assembly but are not eligible to nominate presidential hopefuls. For the national parties, this funding is the lifeblood of a modern campaign, covering everything from advertising and rallies to logistical operations.
However, accessing these public funds is not a simple matter of application. The Electoral Code imposes strict requirements to safeguard the state’s investment. Parties can only request the advance after they have officially registered their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, a deadline set for mid-October. More importantly, they must secure sufficient liquid guarantees from entities within the National Banking System.
These guarantees act as collateral, ensuring that the state can recover the funds if a party fails to achieve a sufficient vote share to justify the financing received. As Chacón highlighted, these financial instruments are endorsed in favor of the State and deposited with the TSE, creating a robust system of accountability. This measure prevents the misuse of public money and ensures that only viable political organizations can leverage state support.
The political landscape is already crowded. As of July, Costa Rica had 13 fully registered national parties, with another 10 in the process of renewing their structures. These groups, along with seven provincial parties, will be competing for both votes and financial resources. An unofficial count shows that party assemblies have already nominated around 20 presidential candidates, including five women, setting the stage for a highly contested election.
Over the next four months, voters will have the opportunity to scrutinize these candidates and their governing platforms. The campaign will culminate on Sunday, February 1, 2026. If a single candidate secures over 40% of the vote, a new president will be elected. If not, the top two contenders will face each other in a second-round runoff election in April, extending the political contest and the need for strategic financial management.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Elections Tribunal is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all electoral processes in Costa Rica. As the fourth branch of government, it guarantees the integrity and transparency of elections, from voter registration and the regulation of political parties to the final counting of votes and declaration of official results. Its mission is to uphold the democratic principles of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal profession, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients from diverse industries, the firm is a trailblazer in developing innovative legal strategies while maintaining a profound dedication to public service. Its core philosophy centers on empowering the community by demystifying the law, thereby fostering a society that is not only well-informed but also strengthened by its understanding of legal principles.
