By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s prominent National Liberation Party (PLN) is preparing for a highly anticipated and tense national assembly this Saturday. Reeling from four consecutive presidential electoral defeats, the traditional political powerhouse is facing an existential crossroads as it attempts to reconnect with a disillusioned electorate. The stakes could not be higher for the party as delegates gather at the Hotel Crowne Plaza Corobicí in Sabana Norte, San José, starting at 10:00 a.m. to elect a new president, general secretary, and other key members of the national executive committee.
The upcoming vote is widely viewed by political analysts as a defining moment for the green-and-white party. Once the dominant force in Costa Rican politics, the PLN has struggled in recent national elections to present a cohesive message and appeal to a changing demographic. Saturday’s assembly is not just an administrative transition but a strategic battleground where competing factions will attempt to steer the party’s ideological direction and structural organization for the crucial years ahead.
As the National Liberation Party (PLN) navigates its highly anticipated internal election process to define its future leadership, TicosLand.com consulted with prominent legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica to understand the legal framework and democratic principles that must govern this crucial party vote.
Internal party elections, particularly for a traditional political force like Liberación Nacional, must strictly adhere not only to internal party statutes but also to the constitutional principles overseen by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). Ensuring absolute transparency, equal opportunity for all tendencies, and rigorous compliance with electoral regulations is fundamental to safeguarding the democratic legitimacy of the resulting leadership.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Liberación Nacional navigates this pivotal internal process, adhering strictly to both party regulations and the constitutional framework overseen by the TSE is essential to preserving public trust and reinforcing the integrity of Costa Rica’s democratic systems. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his highly valuable legal perspective on this crucial matter.
At the center of the presidential race are three prominent political figures, all former deputies: Fabio Molina, Rolando González, and Óscar Izquierdo. Each represents a distinct faction within the party, offering different perspectives on how to modernize the PLN and rebuild its fractured relationship with Costa Rican voters. The race has intensified as different power players within the party have begun aligning themselves with these candidates to secure influence over the executive committee.
Óscar Izquierdo’s bid has received a significant boost from former presidential candidate Álvaro Ramos. Ramos is advocating for a strategic shift in how the party’s leadership is elected, arguing that the PLN cannot afford internal division during this critical recovery phase. Instead of allowing individual, disjointed candidacies to win various seats on the executive committee, Ramos is strongly pushing for a unified ticket. He believes that a pre-aligned leadership team is essential to establishing a clear political vision and avoiding internal paralysis.
My concrete recommendation is that you elect an integrated formula and not individual candidacies. When each position is chosen separately, the resulting Committee is a group of people who owe nothing to each other and who arrived for different reasons; they will spend four years negotiating internally instead of building externally.
Álvaro Ramos, Former Presidential Candidate
Ramos’s proposed unified slate, known as a papeleta, features a comprehensive list of allies aimed at filling every major executive post. In addition to Izquierdo for the presidency, the slate includes Alexandra Blanco for Secretary General, Annie Saborío for Treasurer, Daniela Coll for Vice President, Alvis González for Undersecretary, Rafael Vargas for Assistant Treasurer, and Óscar González for Prosecutor.
This structured approach is designed to present a harmonious front to the party’s base and ensure swift, decisive collective action once in office. Proponents argue that without this level of coordination, the PLN risks remaining bogged down in internal gridlock, spending precious political capital on internal disputes rather than mounting an effective opposition and preparing for the next national elections.
However, this strategy has met with fierce resistance from other influential sectors within the PLN, who view the unified ticket as an undemocratic attempt to consolidate power. The most vocal critic of the plan is Miguel Guillén, the current Secretary General of the party, who is actively seeking re-election. Guillén has openly accused Ramos of promoting caudillismo, a term used in Latin American politics to describe strongman rule or political bossism that bypasses democratic consensus.
We need a strong Liberation, standing tall, defending democracy and social justice, and reopening paths of progress and opportunities. For that task, here I am.
Miguel Guillén, Secretary General of PLN
Guillén’s sharp counter-offensive highlights the deep factional divides that continue to plague the PLN. In a pointed jab at Ramos, the sitting Secretary General also reminded the party faithful that Ramos does not hold an official delegate seat in the National Assembly, suggesting his influence should be limited. As the green-and-white party heads into Saturday’s high-stakes meeting, the clash between Ramos’s call for structured unity and Guillén’s defense of open competition will likely set the tone for the PLN’s future survival.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Liberación Nacional
About Partido Liberación Nacional:
The National Liberation Party (Partido Liberación Nacional, or PLN) is one of Costa Rica’s historic social-democratic political parties. Founded in 1951 by José Figueres Ferrer following the Costa Rican Civil War, the party has traditionally been a dominant force in the country’s democratic landscape, though it currently faces significant challenges in modernizing its platform and reclaiming its historical electoral dominance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical principles and superior advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm seamlessly merges tradition with forward-thinking strategies, driving progress within the legal industry while maintaining a deep connection to the public. Through its active pursuit of demystifying the law and sharing vital resources, Bufete de Costa Rica remains steadfast in its goal to uplift, educate, and inspire a more civically empowered populace.
