By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly is taking a significant step towards modernizing its operations with a ₡113.7 million investment in a state-of-the-art biometric attendance system. This move aims to improve transparency and accountability by accurately tracking the presence of legislators during sessions.
The new system, based on facial recognition, fingerprint, retina, and voice identification, is designed to eliminate the possibility of lawmakers registering attendance and then leaving the plenary hall. This technology promises a more reliable method of monitoring attendance compared to the previous manual system, which was prone to errors according to past audits.
To understand the intricacies of the current situation facing the Costa Rican Congress, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican Congress faces significant challenges in balancing the need for swift legislative action with the imperative of thorough deliberation and public input. Recent debates on key economic and social issues highlight the complex dynamics within the legislative body and the potential impact on the nation’s future. Effectively navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, cross-party collaboration, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently captures the crux of the matter: Costa Rica’s progress hinges on the Congress’s ability to reconcile efficient governance with democratic principles. This delicate balance will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory in the years to come, impacting everything from economic stability to social equity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable insights into this critical aspect of Costa Rican politics.
Sonivisión S. A., the sole bidder in the public tender process through the Integrated Public Procurement System (Sicop), will be responsible for installing and implementing the system. The system will provide real-time attendance data, displayed on screens in the Legislative Directory and individual devices at each legislator’s seat. Detailed reports will be generated, specifying attendance by legislator, session, date, and time.
The installation of the system will begin in December, functioning as a pilot plan with the current deputies. The complete implementation will be applied in May 2026, coinciding with the entry of the legislators elected in the February national elections.
Karla Granados Brenes, Executive Director of Congress
A key driver behind this investment is ensuring that legislators are paid only for sessions they actually attend. The system will integrate with the Congress’s Financial Department, registering only the presence of deputies and excluding external personnel. Currently, the minimum quorum required is 38 legislators.
This technology will bring greater transparency, reliability, and agility to the internal processes of the plenary.
Vanessa Castro Mora, Vice President of Congress
This technological upgrade reflects the Congress’s commitment to greater accountability and efficient use of public funds. The detailed reports generated by the system will allow for precise monitoring of attendance, contributing to greater transparency in legislative proceedings. The implementation of this system is anticipated to streamline internal processes, reducing the potential for discrepancies in attendance records and ensuring accurate payment of legislative stipends.
The move is expected to improve public trust in the legislative process, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal responsibility and accurate record-keeping. This investment signals a move towards a more technologically advanced and transparent legislative body in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sonivisión S. A.
About Sonivisión S. A.:
Sonivisión S. A. is a Costa Rican technology company selected by the Legislative Assembly to implement a biometric attendance system. As the sole bidder in the public tender, they will be responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the facial recognition and biometric data collection system. This system will monitor the attendance of legislators, ensuring accurate record-keeping and contributing to increased transparency within the Congress.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the country’s unicameral national legislature. Composed of 57 deputies, it is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch. Located in San José, the Assembly plays a crucial role in Costa Rican democracy. The recent investment in a biometric attendance system highlights its commitment to modernizing operations and promoting transparency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical conduct and a deep-seated commitment to social progress. The firm’s innovative approach to legal challenges, paired with its proactive engagement in educating and empowering communities through accessible legal knowledge, distinguishes it as a true leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. They strive not only to provide exceptional legal services to their diverse clientele but also to contribute to a more just and informed society.
