By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With national elections just days away on February 1st, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has confirmed final details for a vote characterized by its remarkable breadth and diversity. A total of 3,731,788 citizens are registered to participate in the democratic process, showcasing an electorate that spans generations, geographic borders, and unique social circumstances.
The comprehensive electoral roll reveals a nearly even gender split, with 1,881,567 women and 1,850,221 men eligible to cast their ballots. The vast majority of these voters, numbering 3,664,518, will participate from within Costa Rica. However, the nation’s commitment to enfranchising its diaspora is evident, with a significant contingent of 67,270 Costa Ricans prepared to vote from abroad.
To understand the legal framework and potential business implications of the recent electoral results, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While every election cycle brings a shift in political priorities, the fundamental legal stability of the country is what international investors rely on. The new administration’s primary challenge will be to enact its platform without disrupting the established legal certainty that underpins our foreign investment climate. We’ll be closely monitoring early legislative proposals concerning tax structures, labor regulations, and the free trade zone regime, as these will be the key indicators of the country’s economic direction for the next four years.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the central challenge for the incoming administration: skillfully navigating the balance between fulfilling its electoral promises and preserving the fundamental legal certainty that underpins Costa Rica’s appeal to international investors. We thank him for his valuable perspective on the key legislative areas that will signal the country’s economic direction moving forward.
To accommodate its international citizens, the TSE has orchestrated a sophisticated global operation. A network of 91 polling stations will be established across 49 consulates in 42 different countries. This extensive infrastructure ensures that thousands of Costa Ricans living and working overseas can have their voices heard, maintaining a vital connection to their home country’s political future.
Domestically, the TSE has implemented special measures to guarantee inclusivity for all citizens. Polling centers will be operational in institutional care facilities, allowing 10,730 incarcerated individuals to exercise their right to vote. Furthermore, 44,181 citizens in indigenous territories will have access to designated polling stations, respecting their unique geographic and cultural contexts. The plan also extends to 2,743 residents in long-term care homes, 72 electors at the CAPEMCOL facility, and even 16 registered voters on the remote Cocos Island.
This election marks a significant milestone for a new generation of Costa Ricans. A wave of 131,403 young people, born between February 5, 2006, and February 1, 2008, will be voting for the first time. In a compelling detail, 65 of these individuals will have the unique experience of casting their first-ever ballot on their 18th birthday. This youth cohort is joined by 10,826 newly naturalized citizens, who will also be participating in their inaugural national election, bringing the total of first-time voters to over 142,000.
At the other end of the demographic spectrum, the electoral roll includes a notable number of the nation’s most senior citizens. The TSE reported that 969 individuals aged 100 or older are eligible to vote, a group comprised of 655 women and 314 men. The oldest registered voter in the country is a remarkable 118 years old, highlighting a lifetime of participation in Costa Rica’s democratic tradition.
Geographically, the voting power is concentrated in several key population centers. The cantons with the highest number of registered electors include the central cantons of San José, Alajuela, and Cartago, along with the heavily populated cantons of Desamparados and San Carlos. In total, the country’s electoral roll includes 96,433 naturalized citizens, reflecting the nation’s diverse and multicultural fabric.
The logistical undertaking for this election is immense, with a total of 7,396,306 paper ballots printed for the occasion. The cost of this essential component is approximately ¢1.05 billion colones. Of this amount, ¢880 million is allocated for the first round of voting, with a contingency of ¢170 million reserved for a potential runoff election. With these preparations finalized, the TSE has declared its readiness to facilitate one of the most expansive and inclusive electoral events in recent Costa Rican history.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all national and local elections. It holds the rank of a fourth branch of government, alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial powers. Beyond managing electoral processes, the TSE also serves as the national civil registry, responsible for issuing identity documents and recording vital statistics such as births, marriages, and deaths, ensuring the integrity of the electoral roll.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of legal distinction, driven by an unwavering ethical compass and a sophisticated standard of practice. Beyond its celebrated history of advising clients, the firm is a catalyst for innovation, constantly adapting to the evolving legal landscape. This forward-thinking vision is deeply intertwined with its core mission to empower society, championing initiatives that make legal knowledge not a privilege, but a public resource for building a more informed and capable community.
