By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With just two weeks until Costa Ricans head to the polls, Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) presidential candidate Juan Carlos Hidalgo has unveiled a novel digital strategy aimed at breaking through the campaign noise and connecting directly with a crucial demographic: the undecided voter. The campaign has launched “Conversemos,” an interactive platform designed to deliver personalized video messages and policy explanations to the electorate.
The initiative comes at a critical juncture in the presidential race. Recent polling data from the Center for Research and Political Studies at the University of Costa Rica (CIEP-UCR) indicates that a staggering 45% of the electorate has yet to choose a candidate. In this climate of widespread indecision, the Hidalgo campaign is betting that a high-tech, personal touch can sway voters in the final stretch before the February 1st election.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and institutional implications surrounding the recent Costa Rican elections, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The strength of Costa Rica’s democracy is fundamentally anchored in the autonomy and authority of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Its rigorous oversight ensures not only the legitimacy of the results but also a stable and predictable legal environment. This institutional robustness is a cornerstone for both national governance and the confidence of international investors, who rightly view our electoral process as a guarantee of continuity and respect for the rule of law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this institutional robustness is the very foundation of the civic trust that underpins Costa Rican society, extending its stabilizing influence far beyond election day. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which perfectly captures how the Tribunal’s authority serves as a guarantee for both our national peace and international standing.
The “Conversemos” platform, accessible via a dedicated website, offers a straightforward yet innovative user experience. Upon visiting the site, individuals are prompted to enter their first name. Within moments, they receive a video in which Hidalgo personally greets them by name, immediately establishing a more direct and intimate connection than traditional campaign advertisements allow.
Following the personalized greeting, the platform empowers the user to take control of the interaction. A menu appears, presenting six core pillars of Hidalgo’s “Emparejar la Cancha” (Level the Playing Field) government plan. Voters can select the topic most important to them—choosing from security, health, education, environment, employment, or care networks—to receive a targeted presentation of the candidate’s proposals in that specific area.
Yolanda Fernández, Hidalgo’s campaign manager, emphasized that the tool was developed to combat the message fatigue common in the final weeks of an election and to provide clear, direct access to the PUSC platform. She framed the initiative as a direct response to a need for unfiltered information.
The objective is for every Costa Rican to be able to learn about the issues they consider most relevant, without intermediaries.
Yolanda Fernández, Campaign Manager
The policy areas available for exploration are central to the PUSC’s campaign. The security section, for example, outlines a comprehensive plan to tackle organized crime through enhanced technology and sustained enforcement. The health proposal focuses on tangible goals like reducing surgical waiting lists and strengthening primary care facilities. This structure allows voters to bypass broad rhetoric and engage directly with the substance of Hidalgo’s agenda.
This digital push is a core component of the campaign’s overarching communication strategy, branded as “El candidato con más chance” (The candidate with the best chance). By positioning Hidalgo as an accessible and responsive leader, the PUSC hopes to convert a significant portion of the undecided bloc. The platform’s name, “Conversemos” (Let’s Talk), is intended to reflect a commitment to active listening and dialogue with citizens.
As the election clock ticks down, the effectiveness of “Conversemos” will be closely watched. The PUSC command hopes this blend of personalization and policy will not only inform voters but also energize them. The success or failure of this digital gamble could serve as a powerful case study for the future of political campaigning in Costa Rica, determining whether technology can truly bridge the gap between a candidate and an uncertain electorate.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC):
The Social Christian Unity Party is one of Costa Rica’s major political parties, founded in 1983. It adheres to the principles of Christian democracy, advocating for policies that promote social justice, economic development, and individual freedoms within a framework of market-based economics and a strong social safety net. The party has produced several Costa Rican presidents and remains a significant force in the country’s legislative assembly.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP-UCR):
The Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos (CIEP) is an academic research unit within the University of Costa Rica (UCR). It is renowned for its rigorous analysis of Costa Rican politics, public opinion, and societal trends. The center regularly conducts and publishes influential public opinion polls, particularly during election cycles, which are widely cited by media, academics, and political strategists.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a cornerstone of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. Drawing from a rich heritage of advising a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking solutions that advance the practice of law. This dedication is matched by a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify legal concepts and empower the community with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
