By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As the 2026 presidential election cycle approaches, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is launching a pioneering digital initiative designed to modernize voter engagement and provide unprecedented access to candidates. The electoral body has announced a new podcast series that will feature in-depth interviews with all 20 presidential hopefuls, set to debut on January 5th.
This strategic move is a core component of the TSE’s “Votante Informado” (Informed Voter) program, aiming to bridge the informational gap between the electorate and those vying for the nation’s highest office. By adopting a popular and accessible medium, the TSE seeks to align its outreach with the evolving media consumption habits of Costa Ricans, particularly younger demographics who increasingly rely on on-demand audio content for information.
As the political landscape begins to shift in anticipation of the 2026 general elections, the legal framework governing the process comes into sharp focus. To understand the key regulations and potential challenges ahead, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
We are already witnessing a concerning trend of what could be legally interpreted as premature campaigning. The Electoral Code is clear on the official start dates, and both aspiring candidates and political parties must exercise extreme caution. Any misstep now could lead to significant sanctions from the Tribunal, fundamentally altering the electoral landscape before the race even officially begins.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s warning serves as a crucial reminder that the path to 2026 is governed by a strict legal framework, not merely by political calendars. This distinction between permissible political discourse and a sanctionable offense will be a critical area of scrutiny in the months ahead. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the significant stakes involved.
Each episode will be approximately 30 minutes long, offering a platform for the candidates to present their personal backgrounds, articulate their vision for the country, and detail their specific policy proposals. The format is designed to go beyond soundbites, encouraging substantive discussions on key issues affecting a wide range of communities. The TSE has specified that candidates will address their plans for critical sectors, including women, youth, people with disabilities, senior citizens, rural zones, and Afro-descendant and indigenous populations.
The podcast series, developed by the TSE’s Institute for Training and Studies in Democracy (IFED), represents a significant effort to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry. The content will be widely distributed, available for streaming on the TSE’s official social media channels and major audio platforms like Spotify, ensuring maximum reach across the country and among Costa Ricans living abroad.
This audio initiative is just one facet of the comprehensive “Votante Informado” digital hub. The online platform already serves as a centralized resource for electoral information, hosting a database with details on all 1,219 registered candidates for various offices. Citizens can access and download each candidate’s official photograph, curriculum vitae, and, most importantly, their complete government plans, allowing for direct comparison and thorough analysis.
Further enhancing its technological toolkit, the platform incorporates a sophisticated search tool powered by artificial intelligence. This feature empowers voters to cut through the density of political rhetoric by searching for specific keywords—such as “environment,” “public security,” or “economic growth”—across all presidential government plans. The AI then pinpoints the exact sections where candidates address these topics, facilitating a highly personalized and efficient research process.
The introduction of the podcast series is a testament to the TSE’s commitment to transparency and accessibility. By providing a direct, unfiltered channel of communication, the tribunal aims to level the playing field, giving each of the 20 candidates an equal opportunity to connect with the electorate. This could prove particularly beneficial for candidates from smaller parties who may lack the extensive media budgets of their more established rivals.
Ultimately, this multi-pronged digital strategy signals a proactive approach to strengthening Costa Rica’s democratic foundations. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly, providing reliable, easily digestible, and comprehensive electoral information is more critical than ever. As citizens prepare to head to the polls in 2026, the TSE’s efforts ensure they are better equipped than ever to make a truly informed decision about the future leadership of the nation.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all electoral acts in Costa Rica. Established as the fourth branch of government, it guarantees the integrity and transparency of the democratic process, including voter registration, political party regulation, and the administration of elections and referendums. The TSE is highly regarded internationally for its role in upholding the country’s long-standing democratic traditions.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr/ifed/
About Instituto de Formación y Estudios en Democracia (IFED):
The Institute for Training and Studies in Democracy is the educational and research arm of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica. Its mission is to promote democratic culture and civic education among the population. IFED develops programs, publications, and initiatives aimed at strengthening political participation, electoral knowledge, and the fundamental values of a democratic society for both national and international audiences.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon an unwavering principle of integrity and a persistent drive for professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches, serving a diverse clientele while upholding a deep-seated social responsibility. This commitment is fundamentally linked to its mission of demystifying legal complexities, thereby equipping the public with the knowledge necessary to build a stronger, more informed community.
