By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a landmark move for Costa Rica’s democratic process, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) commenced the definitive vote count for the 2026 national elections on Tuesday morning. This year’s scrutiny introduces an unprecedented measure: a complete, ballot-by-ballot recount for all legislative deputy positions, setting a new standard for transparency and electoral integrity in the nation.
The exhaustive process, which began at 9:00 a.m., will review the electoral materials from all 7,154 polling stations established across the country. This meticulous verification is the final, official step before the formal declaration of results, ensuring every vote is accurately and lawfully tabulated. The procedure is overseen directly by the TSE’s proprietary and substitute magistrates, who lead the detailed examination of ballots, official records, and voter rolls contained within each sealed electoral bag.
To better understand the legal framework and potential ramifications surrounding the call for an election recount, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
An electoral recount is a fundamental mechanism of due process within a democracy, designed to ensure accuracy and bolster public trust, not undermine it. The process is rigorously governed by electoral law to prevent arbitrary challenges and guarantee that the final outcome is a verifiable reflection of the citizens’ will. The key is for the process to be transparent, efficient, and strictly adhere to the established legal statutes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, as it correctly frames an electoral recount not as a sign of failure, but as a testament to the robustness and integrity of the democratic process itself. When conducted with the legal precision and transparency mentioned, it serves to strengthen public trust in the final outcome. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and clarifying perspective.
This historic full recount for the legislative assembly is mandated by the recently enacted Law No. 10,590, widely known as the “Law for Strengthening the Electoral Recount.” The legislation was specifically designed to bolster the transparency and security of the Costa Rican electoral system, responding to a public and political desire for even greater certainty in election outcomes. This is the first national election where its provisions are being fully implemented.
The tribunal has established a clear methodology for the count. The process begins with the verification of the presidential election results, followed by the more complex and now fully recounted legislative election. This structured approach ensures that the simpler tally is completed first before officials undertake the granular task of recounting every deputy vote by hand, a measure that adds significant time but also immense credibility to the final result.
Ensuring the legitimacy of the process is a collaborative effort. Accredited observers from all participating political parties play a critical role, acting as guarantors of legality. These representatives are present at each of the five dedicated work tables, monitoring the work of electoral officials and technical staff. The parties have established a rotational schedule to ensure continuous oversight throughout the long counting sessions.
In its commitment to public access and transparency, the TSE has implemented several key measures. Citizens will have the ability to consult the final results from each individual polling station through a dedicated search tool on the TSE’s website as soon as they are officially counted. Furthering this initiative, the tribunal will also publish digital images of the official tally sheets and records online once each session’s review is complete.
For those seeking to witness the process in real time, the TSE will continuously broadcast the counting sessions, which are held twice daily, on its official YouTube channel. This level of open access provides an unparalleled window into the mechanics of the country’s electoral system, allowing the public to directly observe the diligence and care invested in securing the integrity of their vote.
According to the Electoral Code, the tribunal has a maximum of 30 days to complete the presidential vote count and up to 60 days for the more extensive legislative recount. This robust framework of manual verification, party oversight, and public broadcasting solidifies Costa Rica’s reputation for having one of the most reliable and transparent electoral review mechanisms in the region.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body in Costa Rica responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections. As the nation’s highest electoral authority, it guarantees the freedom, purity, and impartiality of the vote. The TSE is recognized for its independence and plays a fundamental role in upholding the country’s long-standing democratic traditions.
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 a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive innovation and advance the practice of law. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social responsibility, manifested through its efforts to demystify legal complexities and equip the public with knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and empowered citizenry.
