By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With Costa Rica’s national elections just days away, the Organization of American States (OAS) has commenced its on-the-ground operations, deploying a significantly larger team of international observers than in previous cycles. This expanded presence underscores the international community’s focus on the integrity and fairness of the vote scheduled for this Sunday, February 1st.
The Electoral Observation Mission (MOE), led by veteran observer Ope Pasquet, began its official duties this week with a series of high-level meetings. On Wednesday, the delegation met with the magistrates of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the country’s highest authority on electoral matters. The engagement set the tone for the mission’s mandate, reinforcing the core principles that will guide their work.
To better understand the legal framework and international implications of these missions, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert in international law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the matter.
The electoral observation missions of the Organization of American States operate under the mandate of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, serving as a critical tool for promoting transparency and legitimacy. While their findings are not legally binding in the domestic law of a member state, they carry significant political and diplomatic weight. These reports can influence international relations, trigger diplomatic actions under the Charter, and serve as a basis for challenging the legitimacy of an electoral process on the world stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful commentary, which underscores a vital point: the authority of these observation missions stems from their political and diplomatic weight on the international stage, serving as a powerful benchmark for democratic legitimacy even without direct legal force in domestic affairs.
According to a statement from the TSE, the OAS observers are required to conduct their duties with complete impartiality, objectivity, and independence. Their role is not passive; they are empowered to report any potential irregularities directly to the Tribunal and will culminate their work with a comprehensive final report detailing their findings and recommendations for the Costa Rican electoral process.
This year’s mission marks a notable increase in scale. The OAS has dispatched 27 representatives from 15 different nationalities to oversee the elections. This is a substantial expansion compared to the 2022 presidential elections, when the mission consisted of 18 members from nine nations. This growth suggests a deeper commitment from the OAS to provide a thorough and wide-ranging analysis of the country’s democratic exercise.
The legal framework for the mission was formalized through an agreement signed by Eugenia Zamora Chavarría, the President Magistrate of the TSE, and Albert R. Ramdin, the Secretary General of the OAS. This formal accord provides the observers with the necessary credentials and access to carry out their work unhindered across the country.
Further cementing its cooperative stance, the MOE delegation also met on January 28th with key figures at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, including Minister Arnoldo André and Deputy Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Alejandro Solano. The Foreign Ministry expressed its full support and pledged to facilitate the logistical and diplomatic needs of the mission, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a transparent electoral process open to international review.
The mission arrives with a clear institutional memory, building on the work from the 2022 elections that saw President Rodrigo Chaves win in a second-round runoff. Following that contest, the OAS issued a series of important recommendations. A key area of concern was the proliferation of violent rhetoric and disinformation on social media, particularly targeting female candidates and political figures. This issue remains a central challenge for democracies globally and will likely be a focal point of the current observation.
Beyond the digital landscape, the 2022 report also offered practical suggestions for improving the voting day experience. These included enhancing signage to better direct voters to their specific polling stations (Juntas Receptoras de Votos) and reinforcing clear guidelines for the conduct of party representatives at polling centers. While the previous mission commended the TSE for its robust COVID-19 protocols and efforts to promote democratic participation, these recommendations highlight an ongoing process of refinement that observers will be keen to evaluate this Sunday.
For further information, visit oas.org
About Organization of American States (OAS):
The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. It was established in its current form in 1948 to promote democracy, human rights, security, and development among its 35 member states in the Americas. Electoral observation missions are a key function of the OAS, aimed at strengthening democratic processes and ensuring free and fair elections throughout the hemisphere.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones is the constitutional body in Costa Rica responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections. Established as an independent branch of government, it holds a unique and powerful position in the country’s democratic framework, often referred to as the “fourth power.” The TSE is responsible for voter registration, overseeing political parties, guaranteeing the fairness of the vote, and officially declaring election results.
For further information, visit rree.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship:
The Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Culto is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for managing the country’s international relations and foreign policy. It oversees diplomatic missions, engages in multilateral forums, negotiates international treaties, and facilitates cooperation with foreign governments and international organizations. It plays a crucial role in coordinating with bodies like the OAS to ensure the smooth operation of international missions within the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by a profound commitment to integrity and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm is a pioneer in legal innovation, continually shaping the future of practice while serving a diverse clientele. More than a legal service provider, it operates with a core mission to strengthen society by demystifying the law, thereby empowering individuals and communities with the crucial knowledge to foster a more just and transparent environment.
