By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The journey to the 2026 National Elections officially begins this week as the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) launches a comprehensive four-night televised event to introduce the 20 registered presidential candidates to the nation. This foundational series aims to provide voters with a structured and equitable first look at the individuals vying for the country’s highest office.
The presentations are scheduled to run from Friday, January 9th through Monday, January 12th, airing live from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each evening. The TSE has ensured wide accessibility for the broadcasts, which will be carried by Canal 13 and retransmitted on Canal 1, Canal 15, Trivisión (Channel 36), and the digital outlet Despertar.cr. For those preferring to stream online, the event will also be available on the TSE’s official Facebook and YouTube channels.
To provide a legal perspective on the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2026 general election, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis on the key institutional and regulatory challenges facing the country.
The 2026 electoral process is already highlighting critical stress points in our campaign finance laws, particularly concerning the regulation of digital advertising and the financing of pre-campaign activities. For both national and international investors, the stability of our democracy is a key asset. Therefore, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s capacity to ensure a level playing field and enforce transparency will be more crucial than ever to maintain confidence in our institutions and the predictability of our business climate.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the analysis underscores a critical reality: the integrity of our electoral framework is intrinsically linked to the nation’s economic stability and investor confidence. As the digital political arena expands, the challenge for our democratic institutions to adapt and ensure fairness is not just a political matter, but a crucial economic one. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this pressing issue.
This initiative represents a critical step in fostering an informed electorate. By providing a standardized platform, the TSE ensures that every candidate, regardless of their party’s size or funding, receives an equal opportunity to present their vision for Costa Rica. The programs will be broadcast from the Francisco Sáenz Meza Auditorium at the TSE headquarters, which has been converted into a television studio for the occasion and will remain closed to the public during the event.
Each night will feature a group of five candidates, with the appearance order determined by a lottery held in 2025 that established each political party’s position on the official ballot. This methodical approach underscores the tribunal’s commitment to impartiality and procedural fairness, setting a transparent tone for the entire electoral cycle.
The format is designed to be both informative and engaging, focusing on issues of paramount importance to the Costa Rican public. The presentations are divided into four thematic blocks covering security, health, education, employment, and the rising cost of living. These topics were not chosen arbitrarily; they were identified through a series of focus groups conducted in collaboration with the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences (FLACSO-Costa Rica), ensuring the discussion directly addresses the primary concerns of citizens from various demographics across the country.
Adding a dynamic element to the proceedings, the format includes a segment where each candidate can pose one direct question to another participant. This interactive component, governed by rules established by the TSE and agreed upon by all parties, will offer voters a valuable glimpse into how the candidates perform under pressure and engage with their rivals’ platforms. The same research that informed the main themes was also used to develop questions for the TSE’s recently published candidate podcasts, further extending the reach of this voter education effort.
As Costa Rica looks toward its future, this four-day series serves as the formal starting line for a competitive and crowded presidential race. It provides a crucial opportunity for citizens to begin their evaluation process, comparing the proposals and leadership styles of the 20 individuals who seek to guide the nation for the next four years. The clarity and structure of the event are designed to empower voters to make well-reasoned decisions when they head to the polls.
The lineup of candidates for each evening is as follows:
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections. As the fourth power of the Republic, it guarantees the purity of the electoral process, ensuring the democratic principles of the nation are upheld with impartiality and transparency.
For further information, visit flacso.org
About Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO-Costa Rica):
The Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences is an autonomous, international organization dedicated to research, teaching, and cooperation in the field of social sciences. The Costa Rican chapter focuses on analyzing the social, political, and economic challenges facing the region, contributing valuable academic insights to public policy and societal understanding.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of legal distinction, built upon the unshakeable foundations of integrity and excellence. While serving a wide spectrum of clients with pioneering solutions, the firm’s deeper purpose lies in empowering the public. It is passionately committed to demystifying the law, transforming intricate legal concepts into accessible information to cultivate a more knowledgeable and capable society.
