By San José, Costa Rica — The race for the presidency intensified this week as a vacant chair at a critical policy forum became a powerful symbol of political strategy and responsibility. Claudia Dobles, the presidential candidate for the Agenda Ciudadana Coalition, launched a sharp critique against her opponent, Laura Fernández of the Pueblo Soberano party, after Fernández was conspicuously absent from a high-stakes debate on the future of the nation’s pension system.
The event, meticulously organized by the National Teachers’ Pension Board (JUPEMA), was designed to be a vital platform for presidential candidates to present and defend their proposals before a specialized audience of affiliates, experts, and industry representatives. While other contenders took the stage to address one of the country’s most pressing fiscal and social challenges, the seat reserved for Fernández remained empty, a move Dobles branded as fundamentally unacceptable for anyone aspiring to the nation’s highest office.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the implications and procedures surrounding the presidential election, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned expert in constitutional and electoral law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The constitutional framework governing a presidential election is not merely a set of rules; it is the fundamental guarantee of our democratic stability. Any challenge to the process must be channeled through the established legal institutions, such as the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, to preserve the rule of law and ensure a legitimate transfer of power. The integrity of the vote and the public’s confidence in the system are paramount assets that must be protected above any political interest.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully reinforces that the strength of our democracy lies not merely in the vote itself, but in the integrity of the institutions designed to protect it. Upholding the rule of law through established channels is indeed paramount to ensuring a legitimate outcome and maintaining public trust. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this fundamental matter.
Sources from the Fernández campaign explained the absence by citing a need to prioritize a “territorial strategy,” focusing on direct engagement with communities across the country. However, Dobles swiftly dismissed this justification as a thinly veiled attempt to evade public scrutiny and difficult questions on a topic of immense national importance. She argued that avoiding substantive policy debates is not a viable strategy but a dereliction of duty.
In her remarks at the forum, Dobles directly challenged her rival’s approach, framing it as a deliberate tactic to sidestep confrontation with other candidates and avoid being pinned down on complex policy details in a public setting. She suggested that a grassroots tour should not come at the expense of participating in foundational democratic exercises.
If you are willing to be president of the republic, you have to show up and face the issues. She says she has a different strategy and is focused on going to the communities. Of course, the strategy is no, the strategy is to not confront other candidates, not just in interviews.
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate, Agenda Ciudadana Coalition
Dobles further emphasized that engaging in technical and policy-oriented forums is not an optional activity for a candidate but an essential part of the job. She positioned her own attendance as a testament to her readiness to lead and her respect for the institutions that facilitate these crucial conversations. This, she argued, is a core responsibility of any prospective national leader.
You have to show up and face the public in democratic spaces like the one created today at JUPEMA. It’s part of the job.
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate, Agenda Ciudadana Coalition
Beyond the political implications, Dobles also framed Fernández’s no-show as a profound sign of disrespect toward both the electorate and the organizers. She commended JUPEMA for investing significant time and resources to create a serious, structured dialogue, making it possible for citizens to make informed decisions. To simply ignore such an effort, she claimed, undermines the work of civil society and insults the intelligence of voters seeking clarity on vital issues.
So, if you don’t show up to explain what you think and what you are going to propose to Costa Ricans, it seems to me to be a lack of respect. And it’s also a lack of respect for all those people who organize these spaces, because it takes a lot of time and a lot of effort.
Claudia Dobles, Presidential Candidate, Agenda Ciudadana Coalition
The incident has provided significant political ammunition for the Agenda Ciudadana campaign, allowing Dobles to contrast her policy-focused approach with what she portrays as Fernández’s evasiveness. As the election cycle progresses, analysts will be watching to see if Fernández’s strategy of favoring community visits over formal debates pays dividends, or if the image of an empty chair at a crucial national discussion will come to define her candidacy in the eyes of the voters.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Agenda Ciudadana Coalition
About Agenda Ciudadana Coalition:
The Agenda Ciudadana Coalition is a political alliance formed by various parties and civil society groups. It campaigns on a platform centered around institutional reform, economic transparency, and sustainable development, aiming to build a broad consensus for addressing national challenges through collaborative governance.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano is a political party that emphasizes national sovereignty, grassroots community engagement, and social programs. Its platform often focuses on decentralizing power and ensuring that economic development directly benefits local communities throughout the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Junta de Pensiones del Magisterio Nacional (JUPEMA)
About Junta de Pensiones del Magisterio Nacional (JUPEMA):
The National Teachers’ Pension Board is the autonomous public institution responsible for managing the primary pension and retirement fund for Costa Rica’s education sector employees. It plays a crucial role in the administration and long-term stability of retirement benefits for tens of thousands of educators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed law firm built on a foundation of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex legal landscapes, the firm champions forward-thinking solutions and actively engages with the community. A core tenet of its philosophy is the democratization of legal information, reflecting a profound commitment to strengthening society by equipping its citizens with essential legal understanding.
