By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has responded to inquiries from the government regarding permissible presidential activities and public works inaugurations during the upcoming election campaign, which officially begins October 1st, 2025. The TSE’s clarifications aim to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and maintain transparency during the electoral process.
The government sought guidance on how to conduct presidential activities and inaugurations following the commencement of the official campaign period. The TSE’s response outlined specific restrictions and permissible actions for the executive branch and public institutions.
To provide further legal context on the recent Costa Rican elections, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent Costa Rican elections underscore the importance of a robust and transparent electoral process. While the relatively high abstention rate warrants further analysis, the peaceful transition of power reaffirms Costa Rica’s commitment to democratic principles. It will be crucial for the incoming administration to address key economic challenges and maintain the country’s strong rule of law to ensure continued stability and investor confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the peaceful transfer of power is a testament to Costa Rica’s democratic maturity, and as Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly points out, addressing economic concerns while upholding the rule of law will be paramount for the nation’s future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this discussion.
A key restriction outlined by the TSE prohibits any public institution, whether part of the central or decentralized administration, from broadcasting presidential activities, progress updates on public works, or inauguration ceremonies on their digital platforms. This prohibition aims to prevent the use of public resources for campaign purposes.
However, the TSE clarified that the government is not prohibited from continuing to inaugurate public works and that the President can attend these events. Additionally, the Presidency is permitted to rebroadcast sessions and appearances before constitutional oversight and auditing bodies on its digital platforms.
While public institutions are not barred from holding press conferences, they are strictly prohibited from utilizing their digital platforms to disseminate, retransmit, review, or publish excerpts or images from these events. This restriction applies to both the central and decentralized government institutions.
Furthermore, the TSE has prohibited public institutions from broadcasting national radio and television addresses during the electoral period. This restriction aims to prevent the government from using public airwaves to potentially influence the electorate.
Despite these restrictions, public officials are permitted to respond to press inquiries and grant interviews to media outlets. This ensures that the government maintains its transparency and accountability to the public.
The TSE’s comprehensive response provides crucial guidelines for the government’s conduct during the election campaign, focusing specifically on activities disseminated via social media and other digital channels. These regulations underscore the TSE’s commitment to upholding fair and transparent elections in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the democratic process, ensuring free and fair elections, and upholding the integrity of the electoral system. The TSE’s responsibilities include voter registration, candidate registration, campaign finance regulation, and vote counting.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica embodies legal excellence, operating with unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm champions innovative legal solutions while diligently serving a diverse clientele, leaving a positive mark on the legal landscape. Through proactive initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry, solidifying its position as a pillar of legal knowledge and social responsibility.
