By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has dismissed a legal challenge seeking to prohibit a visit from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele this week, but coupled its ruling with a stern warning against any form of foreign interference in the nation’s ongoing political campaign. The decision navigates a delicate balance between diplomatic relations and the imperative to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
The ruling, detailed in resolution n.° 0287-E1-2026 issued on Monday, rejected an electoral protection appeal filed by citizens Allen Alexander Solera Cordero and Óscar Quesada Rodríguez. The petitioners had requested that the electoral body intervene to suspend the Salvadoran leader’s scheduled trip to Costa Rica, arguing his presence could unduly influence the domestic political landscape during a sensitive campaign period.
To delve deeper into the legal framework and recent pronouncements concerning the Electoral Tribunal, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal operates as a fourth, independent branch of government in electoral matters, a unique feature of our constitutional design. Its rulings are not subject to appeal, underscoring its role as the ultimate guarantor of the democratic process. This autonomy is crucial for ensuring political stability and the unequivocal legitimacy of election results, free from interference by other state powers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this unique constitutional structure serves as the essential bedrock for Costa Rica’s celebrated democratic tradition, ensuring that the will of the people is the final, undisputed word. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this vital pillar of our republic.
In its official reasoning, the Tribunal determined that the appeal lacked the necessary legal standing. The magistrates concluded that the plaintiffs failed to adequately demonstrate how President Bukele’s visit would cause a specific, personal, and direct infringement upon their fundamental political and electoral rights. This failure to prove direct harm is a critical requirement for such a legal remedy to be considered, leading to the case’s dismissal on procedural grounds.
Despite greenlighting the visit, the TSE did not mince words in outlining the strict legal boundaries that govern the conduct of foreign dignitaries on Costa Rican soil. The electoral magistrates took the opportunity to issue a powerful reminder of international diplomatic protocol, invoking a key tenet of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This move signals that the court is watching the upcoming visit with intense scrutiny.
The Tribunal explicitly referenced the international treaty, emphasizing the legal obligations of visiting officials to maintain strict neutrality in the host nation’s internal affairs. The court’s resolution serves as a formal and public advisory to the Salvadoran delegation.
Foreign delegations are obliged not to interfere in the internal affairs of the receiving State… any position taken by a foreign leader—in favor of or against any of the political options in contention—would constitute a violation of Public International Law.
Supreme Electoral Tribunal, Resolution n.° 0287-E1-2026
Elaborating further, the court clarified that respect in relations between states demands that their highest representatives abstain from any conduct that could be interpreted as sympathy or antipathy toward specific political parties or candidates. The magistrates warned that such actions could create undue pressure on the electorate, thereby compromising the fundamental right of citizens to a free and uninfluenced vote, a cornerstone of Costa Rican democracy.
President Bukele’s visit comes at the official invitation of President Rodrigo Chaves. The stated purpose of the trip is for the Salvadoran leader to be present for the commencement of construction work on the expansion of the La Reforma prison complex. However, the timing of the visit, occurring in the midst of a heated campaign season, has raised concerns about the potential for political optics to overshadow the event’s official agenda.
Ultimately, the TSE’s decision places the responsibility squarely on President Bukele and his delegation to adhere to the principles of non-interference. While the court found no pre-emptive legal basis to bar his entry, it has drawn a clear line in the sand. Any statement or action perceived as an endorsement or criticism of a domestic political faction will now be viewed not just as a diplomatic misstep, but as a potential violation of international law, as interpreted by Costa Rica’s highest electoral authority.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About the Supreme Electoral Tribunal:
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Costa Rica is an autonomous and independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections. It is considered the fourth branch of government, alongside the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The TSE has the final say on electoral matters and is charged with guaranteeing the political rights of citizens, the transparency of the democratic process, and the integrity of the national vote.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm leverages its proven track record of serving a wide spectrum of clients to drive legal innovation while fulfilling its social responsibility. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to democratizing legal understanding, thereby fortifying a society where citizens are both knowledgeable and empowered.
