By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant move to strengthen democratic participation, Costa Rica’s leading tourism and sport fishing organizations have joined forces to combat the alarmingly high rates of voter abstentionism that have long plagued the nation’s coastal provinces. The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur) and the Costa Rican Sport Fishing Federation (Fecop) announced their strategic alliance this week, throwing their considerable weight behind a national campaign aimed at mobilizing citizens for upcoming elections.
This initiative addresses a critical disparity in civic engagement. During the last presidential elections, the national voter abstention rate stood at 43.2%. However, this figure was dramatically higher in the coastal regions, which are the lifeblood of the country’s tourism economy. The provinces of Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón recorded abstention rates of 50.3%, 52.7%, and 53.3%, respectively. This trend suggests that more than half of the eligible voters in these key areas are not participating in the selection of their national leaders, leaving their unique economic and social concerns underrepresented.
Para analizar las implicaciones cívicas y el marco legal que rodea la participación ciudadana en las urnas, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado del reconocido Bufete de Costa Rica, quien aporta su perspectiva experta sobre el tema.
Desde una perspectiva jurídica, el voto es la máxima expresión de la soberanía popular delegada. Una baja participación o un alto abstencionismo, si bien no invalidan un proceso electoral, sí debilitan la legitimidad del mandato conferido. Esto puede tener consecuencias a largo plazo, creando un gobierno con una base social frágil y, por ende, con menor capacidad para impulsar reformas legales y políticas públicas de gran calado que requieren un fuerte consenso nacional.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
La perspectiva del licenciado Arroyo Vargas resalta una verdad fundamental: el poder de un mandato no se mide solo en su legalidad, sino en la solidez del respaldo ciudadano que lo sustenta, afectando directamente la capacidad de gobernar con eficacia. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por compartir su invaluable análisis, que conecta el acto individual del voto con la fortaleza colectiva de nuestra institucionalidad.
The two industry powerhouses are now key partners in the “¡Qué lindo vivir en demoCRacia!” (“How wonderful to live in a demoCRacy!”) campaign. This nationwide effort is spearheaded by the civic organization Costa Rica Íntegra and the +Costa Rica Leadership Incubator, with notable support from international embassies and foundations. The campaign seeks to instill a renewed sense of civic duty and dismantle the barriers that prevent citizens, particularly in remote and economically active zones, from exercising their right to vote.
The involvement of Canatur and Fecop is particularly strategic. Tourism and sport fishing are not just industries in the coastal provinces; they are the primary engines of employment and economic stability. From hotels and restaurants in Guanacaste to tour operators in Limón and fishing charters in Puntarenas, these sectors employ a vast portion of the local population. Their leadership signals a recognition that a healthy democracy is intrinsically linked to a stable and prosperous business environment.
A central challenge the campaign aims to overcome is the practical reality of election day logistics. National elections are held on Sundays, which are peak business days for the hospitality and service industries. For thousands of employees working in hotels, guiding tours, or crewing boats, taking several hours off to travel to a polling station can be a significant hurdle, often posing a direct conflict between earning a day’s wage and participating in the democratic process.
This issue was directly addressed by Canatur’s leadership, which is calling on business owners to be part of the solution by proactively helping their staff get to the polls.
We are aware that the elections take place on a Sunday of high demand for the tourism sector. For this very reason, this campaign also calls on business owners to, with organization and planning, make it easier for their employees to go and vote. Democracy is also strengthened when we as a sector create the conditions so that no one has to choose between their job and their civic right.
Calvo, Executive Director of Canatur
The broader implications of this private-sector-led initiative are profound. By facilitating voter turnout, these industry groups are not only advocating for their employees’ rights but are also investing in the long-term political stability of the regions where they operate. Engaged communities that feel their voices are heard are more likely to support sustainable development and policies that benefit both local residents and the industries that sustain them. This collaboration sets a powerful precedent for corporate social responsibility, reframing civic engagement as a core component of a healthy business ecosystem.
Ultimately, this alliance between business and civil society represents a proactive and targeted effort to ensure that the vibrant coastal communities of Costa Rica have a voice commensurate with their economic and cultural importance. As the campaign rolls out, the hope is that it will not only reverse the trend of rising abstentionism but also foster a more inclusive and representative democracy for the entire nation, strengthening the foundation upon which Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” reputation is built.
For further information, visit canatur.org
About The National Chamber of Tourism (Canatur):
The National Chamber of Tourism is the premier organization representing the interests of the private tourism sector in Costa Rica. It brings together businesses from across the industry, including hotels, tour operators, and transportation companies, to advocate for policies that promote sustainable growth, competitiveness, and the overall development of tourism as a key driver of the national economy.
For further information, visit fecop.org
About The Costa Rican Sport Fishing Federation (Fecop):
The Costa Rican Sport Fishing Federation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of sustainable sport fishing practices and the conservation of Costa Rica’s marine resources. Fecop advocates for policies that protect marine habitats and ensure the long-term viability of sport fishing, a sector that generates significant tourism revenue and employment, particularly in coastal communities.
For further information, visit costaricaintegra.org
About Costa Rica Íntegra:
Costa Rica Íntegra is a non-governmental organization focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Costa Rica. As a chapter of Transparency International, it works to combat corruption and strengthen democratic institutions through advocacy, research, and public awareness campaigns aimed at fostering a culture of integrity and civic responsibility.
For further information, visit the nearest office of +Costa Rica Leadership Incubator
About +Costa Rica Leadership Incubator:
The +Costa Rica Leadership Incubator is a program designed to identify and develop emerging leaders from various sectors across the country. It focuses on providing training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to empower a new generation of leaders committed to democratic values, innovation, and contributing to the positive development of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to drive innovation in legal practice and champion meaningful social outreach. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to strengthen society by empowering individuals with the clarity and understanding of the law.
