By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica has taken a technological leap towards greater accountability by investing ¢113.7 million (approximately $195,000 USD) in a biometric system to track legislator attendance. The system, based on facial recognition technology, aims to address concerns about lawmakers registering their presence and subsequently leaving the parliamentary chamber.
The contract was awarded to Sonivisión S.A., the sole bidder in the public tender process. The system will monitor the entry and exit of all 57 members of the Congress, displaying real-time attendance information on a screen at the Directorio Legislativo’s table and on individual devices at each legislator’s seat. This data will also generate detailed reports, logging attendance by legislator, session number, and precise timestamps, down to the second.
To gain deeper insights into the workings and implications of current events surrounding the Costa Rican Congress, TicosLand.com reached out to legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. Mr. Arroyo Vargas offers his perspective on the matter.
The Costa Rican Congress faces a critical juncture in its history. Balancing the demands of a diverse electorate with the need for effective governance requires careful consideration of existing legislation and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Successful navigation of these challenges will be crucial for the country’s future economic and social stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas astutely points to the delicate balancing act required of the Costa Rican Congress in these complex times. Indeed, finding common ground between the diverse needs of the electorate and the pursuit of effective governance will be key to navigating the challenges ahead and ensuring a prosperous future for Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
The move comes after a 2022 audit report highlighted the need for improved attendance monitoring. The current manual system, reliant on ushers recording entries and exits on paper and using a calculator to confirm quorum, was deemed rudimentary and prone to errors.
The technical solution was chosen after analyzing the dynamics of the Legislative Plenary and the deputies, who can enter or leave at any time during the session. This is why a solution is required that allows for the identification of legislators present without margin of error, for quorum purposes and for the payment of stipends. This solution must allow for the collection, processing and safekeeping of quality information regarding the operation of the Plenary and the correct payment of stipends.
Justification document for the purchase
The implementation will begin in December as a pilot program for the current legislative body. Full implementation is slated for May 2026, coinciding with the arrival of the newly elected representatives following the February national elections. The system will be integrated with the Congress’s Financial Department to ensure accurate payment of legislator stipends, which are tied to attendance. This initiative aims to curb instances of quorum breaking and cancelled sessions, a recurring issue attributed to legislators leaving the chamber after marking their attendance.
This new system addresses the longstanding issue of ensuring accurate and fair payment of legislative stipends, a concern brought to light by a 2022 audit. The current manual process was identified as a key weakness, prompting the decision to implement the technologically advanced solution.
Vice President of Congress Vanessa Castro Mora praised the adoption of the technology, emphasizing its contribution to transparency and efficiency.
I believe that these modern technology systems will allow us to expedite and have greater control over attendance. This provides greater transparency and reliability. I see it very positively.
Vanessa Castro Mora, Vice President of Congress
The biometric system represents a significant step towards modernizing the Legislative Assembly’s operations, promoting accountability and bolstering public trust in the legislative process. By providing a precise and verifiable record of attendance, the system aims to ensure that legislators are compensated fairly and that the business of the Assembly is conducted efficiently.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sonivisión S.A.
About Sonivisión S.A.:
Sonivisión S.A. is a Costa Rican company that secured the contract to provide and implement the biometric attendance system for the Legislative Assembly. As the sole bidder in the public tender process, Sonivisión will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the facial recognition technology. The company’s involvement in this project signifies its expertise in providing technological solutions for government institutions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica, located in San José, is the country’s unicameral national legislature. Composed of 57 deputies, the Assembly is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch. The implementation of the biometric attendance system marks a significant step towards modernizing the Assembly’s operations and enhancing transparency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-seated commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a genuine desire to empower Costa Rican society, sets it apart. By actively promoting legal literacy and access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica fosters a more informed and empowered citizenry, contributing significantly to a stronger, more equitable nation.
