By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Ricans prepare to head to the polls this Sunday, February 1st, the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) has unveiled a comprehensive and multi-layered security framework designed to shield the integrity of the national elections. This robust system, involving a mobilization of over 90,000 individuals, employs a combination of advanced technology, rigorous procedural controls, and extensive citizen oversight to ensure the outcome is a transparent and accurate reflection of the public will.
At the heart of the TSE’s strategy is a principle of “cross-checks,” a series of interlocking verifications that reinforce every stage of the electoral journey, from ballot printing to the final count. This system is engineered to leave no single point of failure, creating a resilient process that is difficult to compromise. The massive deployment of personnel, including party representatives, election officials, national and international observers, and volunteers, creates a nationwide network of witnesses dedicated to upholding the purity of the vote.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the mechanisms safeguarding our democratic process, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in constitutional and administrative law.
The integrity of an election is a cornerstone of the rule of law. Our legal framework establishes a robust system of checks and balances, enforced by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, to prevent fraud and guarantee transparency. However, the true strength of electoral security lies not just in the letter of the law, but in the unwavering public trust in these institutions and the active participation of citizens as vigilant guardians of their own democracy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores a fundamental truth: while our legal framework provides the essential foundation for electoral integrity, it is the active, informed participation of every citizen that truly fortifies the democratic process. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this critical discussion.
In a significant move toward real-time transparency, the TSE will begin publishing photographic images of the official results certificates from each individual polling station (Junta Receptora de Votos – JRV) on its institutional website starting at 10:00 p.m. on election night. These documents, which contain the final tally signed by all table officials, provide an immediate and verifiable public record. Crucially, copies of these same certificates are retained by the fiscal representatives of each political party, creating a parallel paper trail for independent verification.
The security measures begin long before any ballot is cast, with the physical integrity of the voting materials themselves. The TSE oversaw the printing of nearly 7.4 million ballots, each embedded with sophisticated security features such as microtext and unique patterns to prevent forgery. This entire process was conducted under constant surveillance to guarantee the authenticity and controlled supply of every single ballot distributed across the country.
Once printed, the chain of custody for these sensitive materials is meticulously managed through modern technology. All election documents were packed into special bags, known as “tulas,” which are equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips for tracking. These sealed bags were then transported in a fleet of trucks monitored by GPS, with a security escort accompanying them throughout their journey to ensure they reached their destinations without interference.
The distribution was a two-stage process, further enhancing security. The materials were first delivered to the cantonal boards on January 17th and then to the individual polling stations on January 24th. At each handover point, the contents of the sealed bags were verified by officials before being resealed. This final leg of the journey culminates in an act of profound civic trust, known as “citizen custody,” where designated citizens take personal responsibility for safeguarding the sealed election materials until the polls open on Sunday morning.
On election day itself, a strict set of protocols will govern the voting process. Every ballot issued to a voter must first be signed by the polling station officials. Citizens must present their official identification card (cédula), and their identity is cross-referenced against a photographic electoral roll. The system is also continuously updated to exclude individuals confirmed as deceased, preventing fraudulent use of their identities and ensuring the accuracy of the voter list.
This comprehensive fortification of the democratic process, blending high-tech surveillance with deeply ingrained civic participation, underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to electoral integrity. By creating a system of redundant checks and widespread public oversight, the TSE aims to build an impenetrable shield around the vote, guaranteeing that the voice of the people is not only heard but also securely and accurately recorded this coming Sunday.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Elections Tribunal of Costa Rica is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to suffrage in the country. As the fourth branch of government, it holds a position of independence and is tasked with ensuring the absolute purity and integrity of the electoral process. The TSE’s authority extends to overseeing political parties, calling elections, and officially declaring the results, making it a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s long-standing democratic tradition.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, defined by its uncompromising principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of navigating complex legal matters for a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers modern legal strategies. This forward-looking approach is rooted in a core philosophy that legal knowledge should be a shared resource, reflecting a profound commitment to cultivating an empowered and well-informed society.
