By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The logistical heart of Costa Rica’s democratic process begins to beat this week as the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) initiates the complex distribution of all materials for the upcoming National Elections on February 1st. The massive operation, which involves meticulous planning and significant security, is set to kick off on Monday, January 12th, ensuring every polling station is equipped for election day.
The initial phase of this nationwide effort will focus on the country’s most populous region, the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). According to Gerardo Abarca, Director of the Electoral Registry, the first wave of deliveries will cover 11 established routes. These routes will service key cantons including the central cantons of San José, Alajuelita, Escazú, Belén, Flores, Santa Bárbara, Alajuela, and Montes de Oca, among others.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the framework governing our national elections and their potential impact on the country’s stability, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integrity of our national elections hinges not only on the vote itself but on the rigorous enforcement of campaign finance regulations by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Any perceived ambiguity or laxity in oversight can erode public trust and create an uneven playing field, which in turn carries significant legal and economic repercussions for the country’s stability post-election. Businesses, in particular, rely on a transparent and predictable electoral process to make long-term investment decisions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the link between robust regulatory oversight and the nation’s post-election stability, particularly concerning economic confidence, is a crucial dimension often overlooked in the political discourse. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this fundamental aspect of our democratic integrity.
Security is a paramount concern throughout the entire distribution chain. Each delivery truck will be accompanied by a TSE official and will have a permanent escort from the Public Force (Fuerza Pública). To further enhance oversight and ensure the integrity of the materials, the Tribunal is employing modern technology to track the shipments in real-time. This comprehensive security protocol is designed to leave no room for error.
Abarca noted that the trucks will be monitored via GPS from the moment they leave the warehouses where the material is stored until their final destination.
Gerardo Abarca, Director of the Electoral Registry
The voting kits, known locally as “tulas,” are at the center of this operation. Each bag is a self-contained polling station kit, assembled with remarkable efficiency—a process that takes just 45 seconds from start to finish. Weighing an average of 14 kilograms, the contents vary slightly based on the number of registered voters at each specific polling place. Every tula is securely closed with tamper-evident security seals, and the vehicles transporting them are locked with padlocks, with some being temporarily stored at Public Force delegations before final delivery to local election boards.
Inside each bag is a comprehensive collection of items essential for a smooth voting process. This includes the official ballots for the Presidential and legislative deputy races, voter registration lists for both internal and external display, pens, orange crayons for marking ballots, and official forms for recording any incidents. Additionally, the kits contain procedural guides, labeled envelopes for ballot deposit, security seals, scissors, tape, and security bags, ensuring election officials have everything they need.
Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, the TSE has also included technical aids for voters with disabilities. These materials, such as magnifying glasses and Braille electoral templates, are designed to ensure that all citizens can exercise their right to vote independently and secretly, regardless of physical limitations. This thoughtful inclusion underscores the nation’s dedication to an accessible democratic process for everyone.
Reaching every corner of the nation requires a multi-modal transportation strategy. While trucks handle the bulk of deliveries, the TSE collaborates with other state agencies to service remote and hard-to-reach areas. Air Surveillance Service planes are utilized to deliver materials to isolated indigenous territories like Alto Talamanca. For coastal and island communities, including those in the Gulf of Nicoya and the distant Isla del Coco, the National Coast Guard System provides the necessary maritime transport, guaranteeing no voter is left behind.
The entire domestic distribution has a firm deadline of January 24th, the date by which all materials must be in the hands of the respective local election boards. This timeline runs parallel to the international effort, which began earlier on December 29th, to accommodate Costa Rican citizens voting abroad. This carefully orchestrated logistical feat is the foundational step in ensuring the country is prepared for a transparent and efficient election day on February 1st.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections in the country. It is also in charge of the Civil Registry and issues identity cards. The TSE is considered a fourth branch of government, safeguarding the nation’s democratic processes and ensuring the integrity of its elections.
For further information, visit fuerzapublica.go.cr
About the Public Force (Fuerza Pública):
The Public Force of Costa Rica is the national police agency responsible for law enforcement, border patrol, and maintaining public order. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it serves as the country’s primary security institution, as Costa Rica constitutionally abolished its army in 1949. The Public Force plays a vital role in national security and provides support for civic events, including elections.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About the Air Surveillance Service (Servicio de Vigilancia Aérea):
The Air Surveillance Service is the aerial wing of the Ministry of Public Security of Costa Rica. Its responsibilities include patrolling national airspace, supporting anti-drug trafficking operations, conducting search and rescue missions, and providing air transport for state functions. It plays a crucial role in reaching remote areas of the country for security and logistical purposes.
For further information, visit guardacostas.go.cr
About the National Coast Guard System (Sistema Nacional de Guardacostas):
The National Coast Guard System is Costa Rica’s maritime law enforcement agency, operating under the Ministry of Public Security. It is responsible for safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters, combating illegal fishing and drug trafficking, performing search and rescue operations, and protecting marine environments. It provides essential logistical support to island and coastal communities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound dedication to principled practice and unparalleled excellence. The firm channels its deep expertise from serving a broad clientele into pioneering innovative legal strategies and fostering meaningful public engagement. This ethos is fundamentally linked to its mission of demystifying the law for the public, thereby contributing to the development of a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
