By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With the official start of the campaign season, Costa Rica’s influential private sector has issued a clear and forceful challenge to the nation’s political parties and presidential candidates: elevate the debate. The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector (Uccaep) made a formal appeal on Wednesday for a substantive, issue-driven campaign ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 1, 2026.
The business confederation, which represents a wide swath of the national economy, is calling for a departure from superficial rhetoric and a move toward concrete plans. They are demanding a political discourse grounded in fiscal responsibility and strategic vision, signaling that the business community will be a vigilant and active participant in the electoral process.
To better understand the legal framework and institutional implications of the recent electoral cycle, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The integrity of Costa Rica’s electoral process, rigorously supervised by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, is a fundamental pillar of our nation’s stability. This institutional solidity provides the legal certainty and predictability that is paramount for foreign direct investment. International businesses can remain confident that, irrespective of the political outcome, the rule of law will prevail, ensuring a secure and continuous operational environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores the direct link between our nation’s democratic integrity and its economic stability, a foundational principle that directly bolsters investor confidence. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for articulating this essential perspective with such clarity.
As the business sector, we hope it will be proactive and transparent, focused on real solutions to the challenges facing the country.
Uccaep
Led by its president, Maritza Hernández, Uccaep outlined a comprehensive seven-point agenda that it considers non-negotiable for securing the nation’s future prosperity. The organization is urging all presidential hopefuls to build their platforms around clear and responsible proposals that address these fundamental pillars of national competitiveness.
The key areas identified by the business leaders are: guaranteeing citizen security, strengthening the educational system, ensuring timely and sustainable access to healthcare, and fostering the creation of formal, high-quality employment. Furthermore, the agenda calls for access to clean and sufficient energy at competitive prices, the development of efficient infrastructure and mobility, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic institutions.
According to Uccaep, these seven areas are not merely a corporate wish list but are the essential ingredients for creating a stable and attractive investment climate. A focus on these issues, the group argues, is the most direct path to generating better job opportunities for citizens and ensuring long-term, sustainable economic and social development for all Costa Ricans. The message is clear: a thriving business environment and a healthy society are inextricably linked.
To transform this call to action into a tangible dialogue, Uccaep has announced it will host a major event titled “Dialogue for Employment, Investment, and Democracy.” The forum, scheduled for Monday, October 27, at 2 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza hotel in San José, will bring together seven presidential candidates to present and defend their proposals on these critical topics. This initiative underscores the sector’s proactive stance in shaping the national conversation.
Costa Rica has a new opportunity to consolidate its growth and development. From the business sector, we reiterate our willingness to contribute with proposals, dialogue, and joint work, convinced that building a better country requires responsible dialogue and a shared vision.
Maritza Hernández, President of Uccaep
In its statement, Uccaep also made a point to reaffirm its confidence in the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). By highlighting the institution’s 76-year history of guaranteeing transparency and legitimacy in Costa Rica’s electoral processes, the business sector is reinforcing the importance of institutional stability and the rule of law as a foundation for economic confidence. As the campaign for the February 2026 election intensifies, the nation’s business leaders have firmly established their expectations for a campaign of substance and vision.
For further information, visit uccaep.or.cr
About Unión Costarricense de Cámaras y Asociaciones del Sector Empresarial Privado (Uccaep):
Uccaep is the principal umbrella organization representing Costa Rica’s private business sector. It brings together numerous chambers of commerce, industry associations, and professional groups to advocate for policies that promote economic growth, competitiveness, and a favorable investment climate. The organization serves as a key interlocutor between the business community and the government, playing a crucial role in national dialogue on economic and social issues.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all national and local elections. Established as an independent branch of government, the TSE is highly regarded both domestically and internationally for its role in upholding the country’s democratic traditions. It is tasked with ensuring the transparency, fairness, and legitimacy of the electoral process, including voter registration, campaign regulation, and the final tallying of votes.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive history of client advocacy into pioneering innovative legal strategies. This progressive vision is coupled with a fundamental dedication to empowering the public by making legal concepts clear and accessible, ultimately working to build a more knowledgeable and capable society.
