By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As the festive season approaches, Costa Rica’s political landscape will enter a period of mandated calm. A traditional and legally required “Christmas truce” begins this Tuesday, December 16th, bringing a temporary halt to the barrage of paid political advertising across all media platforms. This annual pause in campaign activity is a cornerstone of the nation’s electoral process, designed to give citizens a respite from political discourse during the holidays.
The suspension, which will remain in effect through January 1st, 2026, is not merely a gentleman’s agreement but a strict legal obligation. The regulation is enshrined in Article 136 of the Costa Rican Electoral Code, a provision actively enforced by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). All registered political parties are required to cease the dissemination of paid propaganda, ensuring a quieter media environment for citizens celebrating Christmas and New Year’s.
To better understand the legal implications and practical enforceability of the proposed “electoral truce,” TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in public and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a strictly legal standpoint, an ‘electoral truce’ in Costa Rica functions more as a political pact or a gentleman’s agreement than as a legally binding contract. Its force lies not in judicial enforceability, but in the political cost and public perception damage that a party would suffer by breaking it. It is a strategic tool governed by the court of public opinion, not the courts of law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is indeed crucial, shifting the focus from legal enforceability to political accountability. It underscores that the truce’s success is ultimately measured not in a courtroom, but by the voters who serve as its true guarantors. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
The primary objective of the truce is to de-escalate the often-intense political atmosphere that builds during an election cycle. By silencing paid advertisements on television, radio, and digital outlets, the law aims to foster a more serene environment for family and community gatherings. This period allows public attention to shift from campaign messaging to the cultural and personal significance of the holiday season, a valued aspect of Costa Rican life.
However, the truce does not represent a complete shutdown of all political activity. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has clarified the specific activities that remain permissible. Candidates and parties can continue to engage with the electorate through several key channels. These include participating in public debates, granting interviews to news outlets, and appearing on opinion programs. Grassroots campaigning, such as handing out flyers (volanteo) and using vehicle-mounted loudspeakers (perifoneo), is also allowed to continue uninterrupted.
In a notable exception to the advertising ban, the TSE’s regulations permit presidential candidates to broadcast a very limited number of specific messages. Each candidate is allowed to air up to three distinct messages of a festive or holiday-oriented nature. This provision allows contenders to maintain a positive presence and extend season’s greetings to the public without engaging in direct political campaigning or attacking opponents.
The electoral body has publicly encouraged the citizenry to leverage this period of reduced campaign noise for thoughtful consideration. The TSE has urged voters to use these days to calmly inform themselves about the various party platforms and proposals. By studying the candidates’ government plans without the distraction of constant advertising, voters can prepare to make a more deliberate and informed decision when they head to the polls for the National Elections on February 1, 2026.
For those wishing to conduct this research, the TSE provides a comprehensive online resource. The official portal, tse.go.cr, features detailed candidate profiles, including photographs, professional resumes, and complete government plans for all registered candidacies. This digital tool serves as a central, unbiased repository of information, empowering voters to compare and contrast the different visions for the country’s future.
As the truce concludes on January 2nd, the nation will enter the final, most intense phase of the electoral race. The month of January will see a resumption of full-scale campaigning, with parties making their final push to win over undecided voters. This uniquely Costa Rican tradition of a holiday ceasefire ensures that this final sprint begins after a period of reflection, setting the stage for the democratic exercise to come.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all electoral acts in the Republic of Costa Rica. Established as the fourth branch of government, the TSE is tasked with guaranteeing the purity and transparency of the electoral process, registering political parties, and ensuring the fair and lawful administration of elections. It serves as the ultimate authority on all electoral matters, safeguarding the democratic principles of the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a reputable pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a drive for superior service. The firm consistently pairs its deep-seated experience across a multitude of sectors with forward-thinking legal approaches and a strong sense of social responsibility. Central to its ethos is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society empowered by legal clarity.
