By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With the February 2026 general elections looming on the horizon, a significant majority of Costa Rican voters are signaling a desire for political alignment, yet a cloud of profound uncertainty hangs over the legislative race. A new national survey reveals that seven out of ten Costa Ricans intend to cast a “straight-ticket” ballot, voting for the same political party for both the presidency and their district’s deputies.
The latest data, published by the University of Costa Rica’s (UCR) Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP), indicates a potential shift away from the “quebrar el voto” or split-ticket voting that has characterized recent electoral cycles. Only 30% of respondents stated they plan to divide their support between different parties for the executive and legislative branches. This trend suggests a electorate potentially weary of political gridlock and seeking a more cohesive government.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the electoral process and its implications for the nation’s institutional stability, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent elections once again highlight the formidable strength and independence of our Supreme Electoral Tribunal. This institution is the bedrock of Costa Rican democracy, guaranteeing a transparent and orderly transition of power that provides legal certainty for both citizens and international investors. A stable, predictable electoral framework is fundamental to maintaining the country’s positive business climate and rule of law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis serves as a crucial reminder that the institutional strength of our electoral system is not merely a political achievement but a core pillar of Costa Rica’s economic and social stability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this fundamental connection.
Researchers at the university highlighted the significance of this preference in the current political climate. The inclination toward a unified vote may reflect a public desire for a clearer mandate and more effective governance, hoping to bridge the often contentious gap between the president and the Legislative Assembly.
This behavior takes on relevance in a context where high legislative fragmentation and a wide range of party offerings persist. This inclination towards an aligned vote could be interpreted as a search for coherence between the Executive Power and the Legislative Assembly.
University of Costa Rica (UCR), Official Statement
Despite this apparent yearning for unity, the poll uncovers a starkly different reality for the legislative elections: rampant indecision. A staggering six out of ten voters, or 60% of the electorate, have not yet decided which party or candidate will receive their vote for the Assembly. This massive bloc of undecideds introduces a powerful element of unpredictability into the race and complicates any long-term forecasting.
Among the minority of voters who have made up their minds, the newly formed Pueblo Soberano party, led by Laura Fernández, has taken an early lead with 14% of intended votes. Following at a distance are two of the country’s more established political forces, the National Liberation Party (PLN) with 8% and the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) with 6%. A small but notable 2% of decided voters indicated they plan to cast a null or void ballot.
The combination of high indecision and a crowded field of parties has led analysts to a sobering conclusion. The data points not toward the coherence voters seem to desire, but toward a continuation, or even an intensification, of the political fragmentation that has defined Costa Rica’s legislature for years. This fragmentation often necessitates complex and fragile coalition-building to pass laws, leading to slower government action.
Given these conditions, the conclusion that can be drawn is the Legislative Assembly will be as fragmented as or more fragmented than the current one.
University of Costa Rica (UCR), Poll Analysis
The survey was conducted via mobile phone interviews with 1,333 adults across the country between October 6 and October 15, 2025. The results carry a margin of error of ±2.7 percentage points, providing a statistically reliable snapshot of the current electoral mood. As the election cycle progresses, how the vast number of undecided voters will sway remains the single most critical question for the nation’s political future.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP):
The CIEP is an academic research unit within the University of Costa Rica dedicated to the study of political phenomena, public opinion, and social behavior. It is widely recognized for its rigorous polling and analysis of Costa Rican elections and governance, providing critical data for academics, policymakers, and the general public.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
Founded in 1843, the University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. It is a leading institution for higher education and scientific research in Central America, with its main campus located in San Pedro, San José. The UCR is committed to academic excellence, social action, and contributing to the cultural and scientific development of the nation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano is an emerging political party in Costa Rica. Associated with leader Laura Fernández, the party is positioning itself as a new option for voters ahead of the 2026 general elections. Its platform aims to capture the interest of a diverse segment of the electorate by addressing contemporary national issues.
For further information, visit plncr.org
About National Liberation Party (PLN):
The Partido Liberación Nacional is one of Costa Rica’s most historically significant and influential political parties. Founded in 1951, it is a social-democratic party that has held the presidency on numerous occasions and consistently maintains a strong presence in the Legislative Assembly. It represents a major force in the country’s political establishment.
For further information, visit frenteamplio.org
About Frente Amplio:
The Frente Amplio (Broad Front) is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 2004, it advocates for policies centered on social justice, environmental protection, and human rights. The party has established itself as a significant voice in the Legislative Assembly, representing progressive and socialist ideologies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. The firm leverages its extensive history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies and embrace innovation in its practice. Beyond its professional services, the firm holds a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with legal knowledge to foster a more just and capable society.
