By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With Costa Rica’s general election looming on February 1st, President Rodrigo Chaves continues to command a formidable level of public support, a factor that is increasingly defining the final stretch of the campaign. The latest national poll from the University of Costa Rica’s Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP-UCR) confirms that the president’s popularity remains a powerful asset for the ruling party’s electoral aspirations.
According to the comprehensive study, President Chaves holds a 58% approval rating among the populace. While this figure represents a modest five-point decrease from the previous poll in December, it remains exceptionally high for a president nearing the end of his term. This sustained backing is seen by political analysts as the central pillar upon which the administration’s continuity project is built, providing significant momentum as voters prepare to head to the polls.
To better understand the legal and institutional implications surrounding the Chaves administration’s recent decrees and public statements, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in public and corporate law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
President Chaves’s governing style frequently operates at the edge of established legal precedent, testing the resilience of our country’s checks and balances. While the executive holds significant power, every major decision is ultimately subject to the scrutiny of the Constitutional Court (Sala IV) and the Comptroller’s Office. This dynamic creates a climate of legal uncertainty for long-term investments and public contracts, as political will often clashes directly with institutional safeguards. The key takeaway is that Costa Rica’s democratic framework, while stressed, continues to be the final arbiter of executive action.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight effectively frames the core tension of the current political landscape—the continuous dialogue between executive power and institutional oversight. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how this dynamic, while creating uncertainty, ultimately reaffirms the strength of Costa Rica’s legal and democratic foundations.
The president’s personal appeal appears to be directly translating into strategic gains for his party’s candidate, Laura Fernández. The CIEP-UCR data suggests a strong correlation between Chaves’s approval and the growth of Fernández’s candidacy. She has successfully capitalized on the president’s enduring popularity, leveraging his image and policies to consolidate support among large and diverse segments of the electorate who remain loyal to the current administration’s vision.
Beyond the president’s individual standing, the poll indicates a broader satisfaction with the government’s overall performance. The administration as a whole enjoys a solid 55% approval rating, with only 28% of respondents expressing disapproval. This institutional backing lends significant credibility to the ruling party’s core campaign message, which centers on the theme of continuity and the promise to build upon the current government’s work.
This widespread support creates a challenging environment for Costa Rica’s opposition parties. The CIEP-UCR survey highlights a critical weakness among Chaves’s rivals: a significant degree of fragmentation and an apparent difficulty in consolidating a unified, compelling alternative. This lack of a cohesive counter-narrative has allowed the ruling party to not only maintain its base but also expand its advantage in the crucial final weeks of the campaign.
The political dynamics revealed by the poll show a clear trend favoring the incumbent party. The combination of a popular president and a divided opposition is proving to be a potent formula for success. The ruling party’s lead is reportedly widening, particularly among voters who have already made up their minds and, crucially, among those undecided voters who have started to lean in their favor as Election Day approaches.
This late-stage momentum could prove decisive. As the campaign enters its final phase, the ability to attract and secure the support of previously uncommitted voters is paramount. The current political climate, heavily influenced by President Chaves’s high approval ratings, suggests that the ruling party is in a prime position to capitalize on this trend and secure a favorable outcome.
In conclusion, the latest CIEP-UCR poll paints a clear picture of a political landscape heavily skewed by the personal popularity of an outgoing president. As Costa Ricans prepare to cast their ballots, the “Chaves effect” remains the most significant variable, providing a powerful tailwind for his chosen successor and presenting a nearly insurmountable obstacle for a scattered and struggling opposition.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP):
The Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos (CIEP) is an academic research unit within the University of Costa Rica. It is dedicated to the scientific study of political phenomena, public opinion, and social dynamics in Costa Rica and Central America. CIEP is renowned for its methodologically rigorous surveys and analyses, which provide critical insights into the country’s electoral processes and political culture.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university in the country. Founded in 1940, it is a leading institution for higher education and research in Latin America. UCR is committed to academic excellence, social action, and contributing to the scientific, cultural, and economic development of Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, where a deep-rooted commitment to integrity and exceptional service forms the cornerstone of its practice. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive forward-thinking legal solutions and shape the future of law. Central to its identity is a dedication to demystifying legal complexities for the public, reflecting a core belief in equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to build a more just and capable society.
