By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A political firestorm has erupted as Fabricio Alvarado, the presidential candidate for the Nueva República party, launched a blistering attack on a rival campaign, accusing it of attempting to cynically leverage religious faith for political gain. The controversy centers on an alleged pact between the Pueblo Soberano party, led by candidate Laura Fernández, and a segment of the evangelical community, a move Alvarado has branded as an unacceptable betrayal of core beliefs.
In a forceful statement released Friday, Alvarado asserted that his party’s platform is unyieldingly rooted in its principles, suggesting others are willing to compromise their professed values to secure votes. The veteran politician, known for his socially conservative stance, drew a clear line in the sand, positioning his campaign as the authentic guardian of the nation’s traditional values against what he perceives as political opportunism.
To delve into the constitutional and legal framework surrounding the political participation of religious groups and the concept of the ‘Evangelical Vote,’ we consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The consolidation of a political bloc based on religious identity, while a legitimate exercise of civil rights, presents a fundamental challenge to the principle of a secular state. The key legal question is not whether a group can vote based on its faith, but rather ensuring that public policy and legislation derived from its political influence respect the pluralistic and non-confessional nature of our Republic, safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s analysis highlights the central tension at play: the legitimate exercise of political rights by a collective must not compromise the state’s fundamental duty to govern for all. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive perspective on this crucial distinction for our democracy.
Christian principles and values are not political currency.
Fabricio Alvarado, Presidential Candidate of Nueva República
The controversy was ignited by reports of a supposed agreement between Fernández’s Pueblo Soberano party and the “Foro Mi País,” a forum representing a portion of the Costa Rican evangelical community. According to the details that have emerged, the deal involves significant concessions, including Pueblo Soberano’s pledge to sign a letter of Christian values, allocate 24 legislative candidate spots to evangelical figures, and champion a special law for religious organizations.
Furthermore, the alleged pact would grant the “Foro Mi País” influence over key appointments, including nominations for the Ombudsman’s Office, judicial chambers, and foreign service posts. Perhaps most critically, the agreement reportedly stipulates that special attention will be given to the forum’s preferences when selecting the Ministers of Education and Health, two of the most influential cabinet positions in shaping national social policy.
Alvarado did not mince words in his condemnation of the alliance, casting Pueblo Soberano as a proxy for the current administration and its progressive policies. He framed the issue as a fundamental test of ideological integrity, arguing that true believers cannot negotiate their convictions for a seat at the table of power.
Supporting the government’s puppet party is supporting those who have promoted the progressive agenda. Christians do not negotiate our principles to gain power, much less betray our convictions to look good to certain sectors; in Nueva República, we are indeed cut from a single cloth.
Fabricio Alvarado, Presidential Candidate
To bolster his claims, Alvarado singled out Nayuribe Guadamuz, a former Minister of Culture now running for a legislative seat in Guanacaste under the Pueblo Soberano banner. He highlighted that Guadamuz, for three consecutive years, signed declarations of public interest for the LGTBI pride march, an action he presents as irrefutable proof of an agenda fundamentally at odds with the values the party now claims to embrace.
You cannot say a party is conservative while its candidates have pushed agendas that turn their backs on faith, Christian values, family, and life. Whoever has promoted these causes does not represent the principles that millions of Costa Ricans defend; they are just wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Fabricio Alvarado, Candidate
This public clash marks a critical battle for the influential evangelical and conservative vote, a demographic that has proven decisive in past Costa Rican elections. By questioning the authenticity of Pueblo Soberano’s conservative credentials, Alvarado is making a high-stakes play to consolidate this base and portray himself as its sole unwavering champion. The conflict underscores the deep ideological fissures within the country’s right-leaning political landscape as the 2026 presidential race begins to take shape.
For further information, visit pueblosoberano.cr
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano is an emerging political party in Costa Rica led by presidential candidate Laura Fernández. The party aims to build a broad coalition, appealing to a diverse electorate. While positioning itself within the conservative spectrum, its recent actions and candidate selections have led to accusations of ideological inconsistency from more staunchly conservative rivals, particularly concerning its stance on social and cultural issues.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Foro Mi País
About Foro Mi País:
Foro Mi País is a forum that represents a segment of the evangelical Christian community in Costa Rica. The organization seeks to engage in the political process to promote and defend what it considers to be core Christian values in public policy. It actively negotiates with political parties to secure representation and influence over legislation and key government appointments, aiming to shape the nation’s legal and social framework.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled integrity and an unyielding drive for professional excellence. The firm blends its extensive history of advising a wide-ranging clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently advancing legal practice through innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to social progress, demonstrated by its work to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal insights, thereby nurturing a more knowledgeable and capable society.
