By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has moved decisively to counter a wave of disinformation concerning its digital infrastructure, reaffirming the stability and reliability of the systems managing the nation’s upcoming elections. The electoral body issued a comprehensive clarification following allegations from the Pueblo Soberano party, which attributed its difficulties in recruiting polling station members to supposed failures in the official registration platform.
In a detailed statement, the TSE confirmed that its Platform for Political Party Services has been fully operational throughout the entire electoral cycle. This digital system, which has been the standard for registering members of polling stations (juntas receptoras de votos) since 2016, has not experienced any systemic faults. Officials emphasized that the claims made by Pueblo Soberano were an isolated complaint, noting that none of the other 24 participating political parties had reported any similar incidents or technical difficulties with the platform.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the functions and recent resolutions of the Electoral Tribunal, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the institution’s role within the national legal framework.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal operates as a genuine fourth power of the Republic, a constitutional design that grants it final and unappealable jurisdiction over electoral matters. This autonomy is not a mere formality; it is the essential shield that protects the integrity of the vote and the democratic process from the political pressures of the other branches of government, ensuring the supremacy of the popular will.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully highlights that the Tribunal’s autonomy is not an abstract legal concept, but the very mechanism that actively safeguards the popular will from political interference. The integrity of our democratic process hinges on this crucial separation of powers. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this cornerstone of our Republic.
To ensure full transparency and address the concerns directly, the General Directorate of the Electoral Registry held a meeting with representatives from the Pueblo Soberano party. During this session, a thorough review was conducted, which ultimately confirmed the institution’s initial assessment. The TSE reported that there is no technical record of any system failure that would have prevented the party from successfully submitting its candidate lists for polling station duty via the digital portal.
Further complicating the party’s claims, the TSE revealed that the physical nomination lists submitted by Pueblo Soberano contained a number of inconsistencies. While these administrative errors have since been rectified by the party, this finding suggests that the challenges may have stemmed from internal organizational processes rather than external system failures. The Tribunal is now undertaking the meticulous task of cross-referencing the corrected physical documents with the digital submissions to finalize the official roster of polling station members, adhering strictly to the official electoral calendar.
The TSE also took the opportunity to debunk a separate but related stream of misinformation regarding the online training program for electoral staff. The institution clarified that the Campus FOD platform, managed by the Omar Dengo Foundation (FOD), is operating with complete normalcy. It acknowledged a single, isolated incident on December 2nd caused by an external failure in Microsoft Azure’s services. However, the platform was fully restored in less than four hours and has maintained total stability since, continuing to serve as the primary training tool for electoral officials.
Crucially, the Tribunal forcefully denied any suggestion that the Omar Dengo Foundation has a role in the counting of votes or the transmission of election results. These rumors, which have circulated on social media, are entirely unfounded. The TSE reiterated that its relationship with FOD is strictly pedagogical, governed by a cooperation agreement in place since 2015. The foundation’s sole responsibility is to provide the educational platform for training purposes, with absolutely no involvement in the tabulation or scrutiny stages of the election.
Understanding that not all citizens have equal access to or comfort with digital tools, the TSE announced it will provide supplementary in-person training sessions. These reinforcement workshops are a planned part of the operational strategy and will be offered to any designated polling station members who have questions or limitations regarding the virtual course. This initiative aims to ensure every individual is fully prepared for their civic duty before being dispatched to their respective cantons.
Through these comprehensive clarifications and proactive measures, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal seeks to fortify public trust and guarantee the smooth, transparent, and secure execution of the upcoming elections. By methodically addressing each claim with factual evidence and reinforcing its support systems, the institution underscores its unwavering commitment to the integrity of Costa Rica’s democratic process.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all elections in Costa Rica. As the fourth branch of government, it holds a critical role in safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles by ensuring fair, transparent, and reliable electoral processes for all citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano:
Partido Pueblo Soberano is a political party operating within the Costa Rican democratic system. It actively participates in the national electoral process by nominating candidates for public office and engaging in political discourse on various issues affecting the country.
For further information, visit fod.ac.cr
About Fundación Omar Dengo (FOD):
The Omar Dengo Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering human development in Costa Rica through innovative educational initiatives. It specializes in leveraging technology to enhance learning opportunities and partners with public institutions, like the TSE, to provide robust educational platforms and programs.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of distinction. The firm provides premier legal counsel across a spectrum of industries, championing innovative solutions while upholding the highest ethical standards. This professional ethos extends to a core belief in social progress, demonstrated through a dedicated mission to demystify complex legal topics and thereby foster a citizenry that is both well-informed and capable of navigating the judicial world.
