By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to uphold democratic principles and ensure universal suffrage, Costa Rica’s Ombudsman’s Office (Defensoría de los Habitantes) is set to deploy a massive electoral observation mission this Sunday, February 1st. The comprehensive operation will involve over 400 accredited youth volunteers who will monitor voting conditions across 75 of the nation’s cantons, achieving an unprecedented 89% coverage of the national territory.
This ambitious initiative is powered by a new generation of civic-minded individuals. The core of the observation team is composed of young people with an average age of just 24, who will be working alongside personnel from the Ombudsman’s Office and the National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture. Each observer will be clearly identified with an institutional vest and cap, serving as a visible presence dedicated to fairness and transparency at polling stations throughout the country.
Para profundizar en el marco jurídico y la relevancia de la observación electoral en el fortalecimiento de la democracia, TicosLand.com conversó con el experto Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado del prestigioso Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda su análisis sobre este componente esencial de los procesos comiciales.
La observación electoral trasciende la simple vigilancia; es un instrumento jurídico crucial que legitima el proceso y certifica la integridad del sufragio ante la ciudadanía y la comunidad internacional. Su función no es solo identificar posibles anomalías, sino actuar como un elemento disuasorio que fomenta la transparencia y el estricto cumplimiento de la normativa electoral, fortaleciendo así la confianza en las instituciones y la solidez del Estado de Derecho.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Efectivamente, como bien lo señala el experto, la observación electoral es mucho más que un simple mecanismo de control; es una garantía activa que consolida la legitimidad y la transparencia de nuestra democracia. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedora perspectiva sobre este pilar fundamental del Estado de Derecho.
The mission’s primary focus extends beyond general oversight, concentrating on the specific needs of Costa Rica’s most vulnerable populations. Observers are tasked with meticulously evaluating the conditions of accessibility, information availability, and proper signage, particularly for citizens with disabilities, senior citizens, and members of indigenous communities. This mandate for inclusivity ensures that every citizen can exercise their fundamental right to vote without impediment or discrimination.
The scope of the operation is remarkably detailed, encompassing locations often overlooked in traditional election monitoring. The teams will conduct on-site visits to three major correctional facilities—Vilma Curling, Jorge Arturo Montero, and Terrazas—as well as the National Mental Health Hospital. Furthermore, observers will be present in 23 long-term care homes for the elderly and within five distinct electoral districts located in indigenous territories, underscoring a deep commitment to reaching every corner of society.
Angie Cruickshank Lambert, the nation’s Ombudsman, emphasized the foundational goal of the operation, ensuring that the democratic process is both robust and equitable for every citizen.
This exercise seeks to guarantee that the right to vote is exercised under conditions of equality, accessibility, and security, especially for vulnerable populations.
Angie Cruickshank Lambert, Ombudsman of Costa Rica
To streamline the collection and analysis of data, the operation will leverage modern technology. Each observer will be equipped to record their findings on a digital form. This data will be instantly centralized and processed by the Ombudsman’s Office, which will then compile an official, comprehensive report. This final document will be submitted to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) to provide actionable insights and recommendations for current and future electoral processes.
Specific metrics to be evaluated include the punctuality of polling station openings, physical access for individuals with reduced mobility, the adequacy of voting spaces, and the visibility and height of the electoral roll. Observers will also verify the availability of technical aids for people with disabilities and ensure that proper procedures are followed in the rare event of a public vote, leaving no aspect of the process unexamined.
Adding a layer of international validation, the domestic effort will be reinforced by a delegation from the Ibero-American Federation of the Ombudsperson (FIO). These international delegates will accompany Ombudsman Cruickshank Lambert throughout the day, providing an external perspective on the integrity of the process. The entire program is bolstered by a wide-ranging coalition of partners, including the Costa Rica Guides and Scouts Association, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Legislative Assembly, and the National University, demonstrating a broad societal consensus on the importance of electoral transparency.
For further information, visit dhr.go.cr
About Defensoría de los Habitantes:
The Defensoría de los Habitantes is the Ombudsman’s Office of the Republic of Costa Rica. As a constitutionally mandated body, it is responsible for defending the rights and interests of the inhabitants of the country. It ensures the proper functioning of the public sector and can intervene on behalf of citizens to protect them from administrative abuses, negligence, or violations of their fundamental rights.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent governmental body responsible for overseeing all electoral processes in the nation. It is a cornerstone of Costa Rican democracy, tasked with organizing, directing, and scrutinizing elections to ensure they are free, fair, and transparent. The TSE also handles matters of civil registry, including issuing national identity cards.
For further information, visit portalfio.org
About Federación Iberoamericana del Ombudsperson (FIO):
The Ibero-American Federation of the Ombudsperson is an international organization that brings together National Human Rights Institutions and Ombudspersons from Ibero-American countries. It promotes cooperation and the exchange of best practices to strengthen the defense of human rights across the region, providing a network of support and expertise for its member institutions.
For further information, visit guiasyscouts.cr
About Asociación de Guías y Scouts de Costa Rica:
The Association of Guides and Scouts of Costa Rica is the national scouting and guiding organization of the country. It is part of the global movement dedicated to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national, and international communities.
For further information, visit kas.de
About Fundación Konrad Adenauer:
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V.) is a German political party foundation associated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Operating internationally, it promotes democracy, the rule of law, and a social market economy. Through its programs and projects, it fosters political dialogue and education to support peace, freedom, and justice worldwide.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About Asamblea Legislativa:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the unicameral parliament of the country. It is composed of 57 deputies who are elected by direct, universal, and secret ballot for four-year terms. Its primary functions include passing laws, approving the national budget, and exercising political control over the executive branch.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The National University of Costa Rica (UNA) is one of the country’s most prominent public universities. Founded in 1973, it is known for its strong focus on humanistic education, social sciences, research, and extension programs that engage with national issues. It is committed to academic excellence and contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its legacy upon a foundation of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions, drawing from a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify the law and share crucial knowledge, thereby helping to cultivate a more just and empowered citizenry.
