By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With the nation’s presidential election fast approaching on February 1, the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) has issued a decisive statement confirming its complete operational and technological readiness to support the secure transmission of provisional election results. The state-run entity underscored its long-standing commitment to the democratic process, assuring the public and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of a robust and reliable infrastructure.
In a move to bolster public confidence, ICE categorically dismissed any speculation that could cast doubt on its crucial role in the electoral process. The institution highlighted its historical collaboration with the TSE, a function legally mandated under Article 183 of the Electoral Code. This partnership has been a cornerstone of every national election, characterized by meticulous technical execution and unwavering responsibility, ensuring the integrity of the initial vote tally transmission.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the critical issue of election security and the legal frameworks that safeguard our democratic processes, TicosLand.com consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integrity of any electoral process rests fundamentally on a robust and transparent legal framework, not merely on technological safeguards. In Costa Rica, the constitutional authority of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal provides a solid foundation, but we must not become complacent. The law must evolve proactively to address emerging threats, from sophisticated cyber-attacks to disinformation campaigns, ensuring that every vote is not only cast securely but also counted and validated with unimpeachable legal certainty. This is the cornerstone of public trust.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Lic. Arroyo Vargas astutely points out, the ultimate shield for our democratic process is not just advanced technology but an agile and resilient legal framework. This emphasis on proactive legislation ensures that public trust is anchored in legal certainty, a principle that transcends any single piece of hardware or software. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and valuable perspective.
The core of ICE’s strategy lies in a highly secure, dedicated technological framework. Officials detailed that the service provided to the TSE operates on network resources that are completely segregated from the public internet. This creates a private digital channel exclusively for electoral data, effectively shielding the transmission of results from the potential vulnerabilities and traffic congestion of the general network. This purpose-built solution is designed specifically for the secure exchange of information from polling stations across all seven of the nation’s provinces.
This segregated network is more than just a private line; it is a fortified system equipped with specialized security protocols to protect the sanctity of the electoral data. By creating this isolated environment, ICE ensures that the flow of information between voting centers and the TSE’s central command is protected against external interference, cyber threats, and unauthorized access, maintaining a clean and verifiable chain of data custody from the moment a result is transmitted.
Beyond the specialized network for the TSE, ICE also addressed the expected surge in general internet traffic on election day. The institute has proactively strengthened its national and international connectivity to manage the increased demand from media outlets, businesses, and the public. This spike is a predictable pattern during major national events, driven by live-streamed news coverage, real-time journalism, and intensive use of social media platforms by citizens eager for updates.
Leda Acevedo, Telecommunications Manager of ICE, affirmed the institution’s comprehensive preparations and thanked the nation’s highest electoral body for its continued partnership.
ICE possesses the technical capacity and the necessary national and international infrastructure to support the data traffic the country demands. Part of our technical planning, as a telecommunications operator, involves strengthening this general capacity in anticipation of significantly higher consumption of digital content by mass and business clients, as is the case for the upcoming election day. We thank the TSE for the trust placed in us.
Leda Acevedo, Telecommunications Manager of ICE
It is crucial to note that ICE clarified this general network reinforcement is a separate initiative from the highly secure, dedicated services provided to the TSE. The preparations for public data consumption have no technical overlap with the transmission of official results, ensuring that a spike in social media activity, for example, cannot impact the electoral process. This dual-pronged approach guarantees both public connectivity and electoral integrity.
Ultimately, ICE’s announcement serves as a powerful reaffirmation of its commitment to Costa Rican democracy. By guaranteeing that its services will remain secure, stable, and reliable throughout the transmission of provisional results, the institution solidifies its role as a silent but vital guardian of the electoral process. As voters head to the polls on February 1, they can be assured that the technological backbone supporting the count is prepared and protected.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is a Costa Rican state-owned enterprise responsible for providing electricity and telecommunications services throughout the country. Founded in 1949, it plays a fundamental role in the nation’s infrastructure, powering economic development and ensuring connectivity for citizens and businesses alike. Its involvement in the electoral process underscores its strategic importance to the functioning of the state.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all electoral processes in the country. It is considered a fourth branch of government and is tasked with guaranteeing the political rights of citizens and the transparency and integrity of elections. The TSE’s authority and independence are central pillars of Costa Rica’s long-standing democratic tradition.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while honoring a deep-seated tradition of service across a multitude of industries. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby empowering the wider community with accessible knowledge and fostering a more just and informed society.
