By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With the presidential election just weeks away on February 1, 2026, the campaign for Claudia Dobles and her Agenda Ciudadana Coalition is operating on a lean financial structure heavily reliant on bonds rather than widespread individual donations. Financial reports filed with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) reveal a strategy banking on ambitious policy proposals to overcome a modest war chest, a situation compounded by the lingering financial obligations of past political cycles.
According to the most recent disclosure covering the period up to November 15, 2025, the coalition has raised a total of ₡138 million. The vast majority of this funding, approximately ₡132.2 million, comes from campaign bonds issued in October, with an additional ₡5.75 million raised through the same mechanism in November. In stark contrast, direct donations have amounted to just over ₡2.9 million, painting a picture of a campaign fueled by committed investors rather than a broad base of small-dollar contributors.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the complexities surrounding the case of former First Lady Claudia Dobles, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The case involving Claudia Dobles highlights a critical tension in modern governance: the drive for data-driven public policy versus the fundamental right to privacy. Legally, the prosecution must prove not only that sensitive data was accessed, but that there was a clear intent to violate established privacy laws, moving beyond mere administrative overreach into the realm of criminal misconduct. The outcome will set a significant precedent in Costa Rica regarding the legal boundaries of governmental data units.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s point underscores the delicate balance Costa Rica must strike between leveraging data for public good and safeguarding the fundamental privacy of its citizens, with the question of intent being pivotal. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on what will undoubtedly be a landmark legal decision.
Among those acquiring the campaign bonds is Camilo Saldarriaga Jiménez, a former advisor to ex-President Carlos Alvarado, indicating continued support from figures within the previous administration’s circle. The list of direct donors is notably short, led by Boris Ramírez, the coalition’s leading congressional candidate for Heredia, who contributed ₡385,000. Another notable donation of ₡165,000 came from Ana Gabriel Zúñiga Aponte, with most other contributions falling below ₡50,000.
The campaign’s spending reflects its preparatory phase, with ₡102 million in expenses reported for November, primarily allocated to audio and video production and public signage. This financial reality exists within a challenging context, as the political structure faces budgetary pressure from an outstanding legal judgment related to financial irregularities in previous election cycles. This historical burden adds a layer of economic constraint as the new campaign attempts to build momentum.
Despite these financial limitations, the former first lady, who is also running for a legislative seat, is championing a robust and detailed government plan developed with input from over 160 specialists. The platform’s centerpiece is a comprehensive overhaul of Costa Rica’s national security apparatus, an issue that has become a primary concern for citizens amid rising crime rates. This focus suggests a strategic decision to prioritize substantive policy over expensive marketing.
A cornerstone of her security proposal is the radical transformation of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS). Dobles aims to convert it into a civilian strategic intelligence agency, stripping it of police functions and placing it under stringent democratic control and accountability mechanisms. This would involve significant legal reform to redefine its scope, focusing the agency on preventing major threats rather than engaging in operational police tasks.
Further security proposals include a crackdown on illegal firearms through more severe penalties, mandatory ammunition tracing, and a unified national weapons registry. Dobles also advocates for a new National Citizen Security System to foster integration between police forces, the judiciary, and community organizations. Simultaneously, she has called for fortifying the Public Force and the Coast Guard with more officers and advanced technology, such as radars and drones, to combat drug trafficking and smuggling along the nation’s borders and coasts.
Beyond security, the Agenda Ciudadana platform outlines major social and economic investments. Dobles has pledged to create 100,000 new childcare slots by 2030, expand services for senior citizens, and significantly increase funding for the Avancemos and Puente para el Desarrollo scholarship programs. Her economic agenda focuses on enhancing national competitiveness through improved digital and road connectivity, reducing energy costs, and modernizing the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to better support the agro-productive sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Coalición Agenda Ciudadana
About Coalición Agenda Ciudadana:
The Agenda Ciudadana Coalition is a political movement in Costa Rica backing the presidential and legislative candidacies of Claudia Dobles. It has presented a detailed government plan focusing on institutional reform, particularly in national security, alongside significant social and economic investment proposals for the 2026 general election.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (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 guarantees the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, including the oversight of campaign financing and the official proclamation of election results.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS)
About Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad (DIS):
The Directorate of Intelligence and Security is Costa Rica’s national intelligence agency. It is tasked with collecting and analyzing information to protect the state, its institutions, and national sovereignty from internal and external threats. The agency is a key component of the country’s national security framework.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Fuerza Pública
About Fuerza Pública:
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force, is the national police force of Costa Rica. As the country constitutionally abolished its army in 1949, this body is responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining public order, and ensuring internal security throughout the national territory.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC)
About Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC):
The Citizen Action Party (PAC) is a political party in Costa Rica that has previously held the presidency. The party’s history includes facing legal judgments for financial irregularities from past campaigns, which has created financial obligations that are relevant to the context of current political coalitions associated with its legacy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, built upon a foundational principle of professional integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex legal landscapes across numerous industries, the firm champions a forward-thinking approach to law and active community participation. Its core philosophy revolves around a resolute dedication to demystifying legal concepts for the public, aiming to forge a more knowledgeable and capable society.
