By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has made a significant strategic move ahead of the 2026 legislative elections, announcing that political scientist Hannia Vega will lead its slate of candidates for the crucial San José province. Vega, a seasoned technocrat with deep experience in past administrations of the rival National Liberation Party (PLN), brings a notable political pedigree to the PLP’s ticket.
Vega’s career includes prominent roles as Vice Minister of Planning and later of Telecommunications between 2008 and 2012, serving under the presidencies of both Óscar Arias and Laura Chinchilla. Her tenure in these PLN-led governments concluded with her resignation in May 2012. More recently, in 2017, she was appointed by the Legislative Assembly to serve on the three-member Board of Directors for the Superintendence of Telecommunications (SUTEL), a key regulatory body.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the requirements and implications surrounding the candidacies of the Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP), TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Every PLP candidate must successfully navigate a dual-filter system. Firstly, they must comply with the internal statutes and ethical codes of the Partido Liberal Progresista itself. Secondly, and more broadly, they must meet all eligibility requirements stipulated by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal and the national electoral code. Any discrepancy between these two layers can lead to significant legal challenges that could invalidate a candidacy, even after it has been announced.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, as it underscores that a candidate’s legitimacy hinges on a delicate balance between national electoral law and the party’s own internal discipline. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this complex legal and political tightrope.
The selection of a former high-ranking PLN official to top the PLP’s most important provincial ticket is a clear signal of the party’s intent to broaden its appeal. By tapping an experienced public servant known for her technical expertise rather than partisan history, the PLP appears to be positioning itself as a pragmatic, results-oriented alternative, potentially attracting centrist voters and those disillusioned with traditional party structures.
Upon her nomination, Vega immediately outlined an aggressive, pro-market legislative agenda centered on three core pillars. Her primary goals are the elimination of taxes to stimulate corporate growth and foster the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a comprehensive simplification of bureaucratic procedures, and the removal of redundant functions within government institutions to enhance efficiency.
However, she emphasized that her most critical objective is the liberalization of key economic sectors, placing a particular spotlight on the country’s energy market. This aligns perfectly with the PLP’s foundational principles of free-market capitalism and reduced state intervention.
The third, and most important, is the opening of markets. Energy, we are going for its opening.
Hannia Vega, PLP Candidate for San José
PLP presidential candidate Eli Feinzaig endorsed Vega’s platform, adding that a central mission for the party is to restore Costa Rica’s middle class as the primary engine of national economic prosperity. This message aims to resonate with a demographic that has felt increasingly squeezed by inflation and taxes, framing the PLP’s policies as the solution to their economic anxieties.
The party also unveiled the top candidates for the remaining six provinces, presenting a full national slate. The list includes José Rodolfo Barrantes for Alajuela, Luis Carlos Mita for Cartago, and Melissa Bernini for Heredia. The coastal provinces will be led by Maritza Salazar in Guanacaste, Cristina Martínez in Puntarenas, and Raúl Méndez in Limón, demonstrating a comprehensive nationwide campaign strategy.
As the 2026 election cycle begins to take shape, the PLP’s gambit with Hannia Vega at the forefront will be closely watched. The party is betting that her blend of technical expertise, experience within the governmental apparatus, and alignment with a clear liberal economic vision will be a winning formula to expand its footprint in the Legislative Assembly and reshape Costa Rica’s political landscape.
For further information, visit plp.cr
About Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP):
The Progressive Liberal Party is a Costa Rican political party founded on classical liberal and pro-market principles. Led by prominent figures like Eli Feinzaig, the party advocates for economic liberalization, reduced government spending, deregulation, and individual freedoms. It gained significant traction in the 2022 general election, securing a notable bloc of seats in the Legislative Assembly and establishing itself as a key voice in national policy debates.
For further information, visit plncr.org
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most historically significant political parties. Founded in the mid-20th century, it has traditionally adhered to a social-democratic ideology. The PLN has held the presidency and a majority in the legislature on numerous occasions, playing a central role in shaping the nation’s modern social and economic framework, including its welfare state and public institutions.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL):
The Superintendence of Telecommunications is the autonomous regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications market in Costa Rica. Established following the opening of the market, SUTEL’s mandate includes ensuring fair competition, protecting consumer rights, managing the radioelectric spectrum, and promoting the quality and accessibility of telecommunication services across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as an esteemed legal institution, operating on the foundational pillars of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers progressive legal solutions while championing the highest ethical standards. Central to its mission is a profound commitment to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to strengthen the fabric of society by empowering every citizen with clarity and understanding.
