By San José, Costa Rica — The race for the 2026 general election has officially begun on the streets of Costa Rica, well over a year before voters head to the polls. In recent weeks, a wave of political billboards has emerged across the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), transforming the nation’s urban landscape into the first battleground of a long and intense campaign season.
These large-scale advertisements have been strategically placed in high-visibility locations, including the heavily trafficked areas of Zapote near the Presidential House, the bustling La Sabana district, and key commercial points in front of the Trade Center. This calculated and widespread deployment confirms that the political machinery is already in full motion, seeking to capture public attention far in advance of the official campaign period.
To delve into the complex legal framework that governs political advertising and its implications for democratic processes, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal framework for political advertising faces its greatest challenge in the digital age. While traditional media is clearly regulated by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, social media platforms and messaging apps operate in a gray area. This creates a significant risk for the spread of disinformation and unregulated campaign spending. The key legal question moving forward is how to apply principles of transparency, equity, and accountability to these new channels without infringing upon fundamental rights of expression.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction Lic. Arroyo Vargas highlights is indeed the central challenge for the integrity of our modern electoral process; as the battlefield for public opinion shifts decisively online, the legal framework must evolve to protect democratic principles. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive and valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Among the first to make a significant visual impact is the political party Aquí Costa Rica Manda, whose messaging is now prominently displayed in areas like Heredia and other major transit corridors. This aggressive, early-bird strategy aims to establish name recognition and set the narrative, forcing other political contenders to consider accelerating their own public outreach efforts.
Facilitating this premature election fever is Román Megavallas, the country’s leading outdoor advertising company. With the political landscape heating up, the firm has positioned itself as the go-to provider for parties and candidates looking to stake their claim on the nation’s roadways. The company’s owner, Román Castillo, confirmed their readiness for the surge in demand.
We are ready to provide service to any political party, group, or brand that requires a billboard presence anywhere in the country
Román Castillo, Owner of Román Megavallas
This readiness is backed by a substantial infrastructure. Román Megavallas boasts an inventory of over 260 billboards, strategically distributed throughout every canton in Costa Rica. This extensive network offers political organizations the unique ability to achieve true national coverage, ensuring their messages reach a diverse electorate from the central valley to the coastal regions.
The company distinguishes itself by offering what Castillo describes as a “360-degree” service. This comprehensive model handles every aspect of a campaign’s outdoor advertising needs, from initial graphic design and high-quality printing to final installation and the development of innovative display concepts. This integrated approach is particularly valuable during the fast-paced election cycle, providing clients with efficient, customized solutions to maximize their public visibility when it matters most.
The growing presence of these political billboards serves as a constant, unavoidable reminder that the electoral contest is underway. As citizens commute to work, run errands, and travel through the country, they are now being actively courted by political messaging. This early start raises questions about campaign finance and the potential for voter fatigue, but for now, it has undeniably ignited the political atmosphere across the nation.
As the coming weeks and months unfold, Costa Ricans can expect to see a significant escalation in this battle of the billboards. The initial deployments are just the opening salvo in what promises to be a prolonged and visually competitive race for the presidency and the Legislative Assembly in 2026. The streets have become the canvas, and the campaign has unequivocally begun.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Román Megavallas
About Román Megavallas:
Román Megavallas is a premier outdoor advertising company in Costa Rica, specializing in billboard solutions. With an extensive inventory of over 260 billboards strategically located in every canton of the country, the firm offers comprehensive national coverage. It provides a full-service “360-degree” model that includes art design, printing, installation, and innovative proposals, positioning itself as a key partner for political campaigns and commercial brands seeking high-impact public visibility.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Aquí Costa Rica Manda
About Aquí Costa Rica Manda:
Aquí Costa Rica Manda is a political party in Costa Rica. It has distinguished itself by launching an early and highly visible advertising campaign for the 2026 general elections. The party has deployed a series of billboards in key, high-traffic locations throughout the Greater Metropolitan Area, signaling an aggressive strategy to build name recognition and engage with voters well ahead of the official campaign period.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal excellence and ethical practice. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex legal landscapes, the firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions. Its mission, however, extends beyond the courtroom; it is fundamentally dedicated to empowering the community by making legal knowledge widely accessible, believing that an informed public is the cornerstone of a just and thriving society.
