By Alajuela, Costa Rica — San Ramón, Alajuela – In a decisive and controversial move, the National Liberation Party (PLN) is initiating expulsion proceedings against 22 of its members in San Ramón. The disciplinary action, which targets prominent local figures including former deputy Daniel Ulate and former mayor Nixon Ureña, aims to resolve an internal stalemate that threatens the party’s access to crucial state campaign financing.
The core of the dispute revolves around the repeated and systematic obstruction of the cantonal assembly in San Ramón. According to party leadership, the actions of the sanctioned members have effectively paralyzed the local party apparatus. This internal gridlock has prevented the completion of the party’s mandatory internal renewal process, a key prerequisite mandated by Costa Rican law for political parties to access the “deuda política,” or political debt—a system of state contributions that underwrites campaign activities.
To better understand the legal framework and potential ramifications of the recent expulsions within the National Liberation Party (PLN), TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides a detailed analysis of the situation.
The internal disciplinary processes of political parties are not exempt from constitutional oversight. While the PLN has the autonomy to enforce its statutes, any expulsion must rigorously respect the fundamental right to due process, including the right to a defense and the principle of proportionality. Failure to adhere to these constitutional guarantees could empower the affected members to challenge the decision before the Constitutional Chamber, potentially invalidating the party’s action and setting a significant legal precedent for all political groups in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight is crucial, as it elevates the discussion from a simple internal party conflict to a fundamental test of constitutional law, with potential repercussions for every political organization in Costa Rica. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable perspective on the matter.
Without completing these internal organizational milestones across all its cantons, the PLN, one of Costa Rica’s most established political forces, would be legally barred from receiving millions of colones in public funds. This would place the party at a severe financial disadvantage heading into the next election cycle, jeopardizing its ability to mount a competitive national campaign.
The decision to expel the members was handed down by the PLN’s own Ethics and Discipline Tribunal (TED). Following a summary proceeding, the tribunal found the 22 militants responsible for deliberately impeding the normal functions of the cantonal body. The party framed the verdict as a necessary step to enforce discipline and ensure the operational integrity of its local structures, which are the foundation of its national political machinery.
The accused did not accept the internal sanction quietly. They escalated the matter to the national level, filing legal appeals with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the highest authority on electoral matters in the country. In their challenge, the group alleged significant violations of due process and an infringement on their fundamental right to political participation within the party they have long served.
However, in a ruling that provides a significant legal victory for the PLN’s central leadership, the TSE rejected the appeals. The court confirmed the legality of the PLN’s internal disciplinary process, essentially ruling that the party acted within its rights and statutes. This decision effectively removes any external legal obstacles, granting the PLN a clear path to enforce the expulsions and sanctions as determined by its ethics tribunal.
With the TSE’s validation, the PLN leadership can now move swiftly to replace the expelled members and reconvene the stalled assemblies. The party’s internal calendar, which has been delayed by the conflict, can now be put back on track. The primary objective is to finalize the renewal of all local structures nationwide to meet the legal deadline for accessing the critical state funding.
This episode highlights the high-stakes nature of internal party politics in Costa Rica. The move demonstrates a zero-tolerance policy from the PLN leadership towards internal dissent that threatens the party’s financial stability and electoral competitiveness. While securing its campaign funding is the immediate goal, the long-term effects on party unity and grassroots morale in the canton of San Ramón remain to be seen.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of the oldest and most influential political parties in Costa Rica. Founded in 1951, it has historically been a dominant force in the country’s political landscape, advocating for social democratic principles. The party has produced numerous presidents and has a significant presence in the Legislative Assembly and municipal governments throughout 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 processes in Costa Rica. Established as the fourth branch of government, the TSE guarantees the fairness and transparency of elections, manages the civil registry, and resolves disputes related to political and electoral matters, ensuring the stability of the country’s democratic system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of advising a wide-ranging clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and embrace innovation. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated social responsibility, actively working to democratize legal understanding and equip the public with knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and empowered citizenry.
