By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a powerful display of organizational muscle just two months before the general election, the ruling Pueblo Soberano Party (PPSO) has announced the complete recruitment of its electoral ground force, ensuring a presence at every single polling station across the country. The move signals that the party is not merely relying on favorable polls but is building an airtight logistical operation to convert popular support into a decisive victory on February 1, 2026.
The announcement was made by presidential candidate Laura Fernández during a massive rally in Tibás last night. She revealed that the party has successfully enlisted thousands of volunteers for its “Guardians of the Vote” initiative, a comprehensive plan to staff the more than 6,000 polling stations (Juntas Receptoras de Votos) that will operate on election day. This organizational milestone, achieved well in advance, is a logistical feat few parties in Costa Rican history have managed.
To better understand the legal framework and constitutional guarantees underpinning the Costa Rican electoral process, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal professional from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights shed light on the institutional strength that defines the nation’s democratic traditions.
The integrity of Costa Rica’s elections is fundamentally secured by the constitutional power vested in the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). This entity functions not merely as an overseer but as a fourth, independent branch of government, whose rulings are final and unappealable in electoral matters. This unique legal structure is the bedrock that guarantees transparent vote counting, enforces strict campaign finance laws, and ultimately ensures a peaceful and legitimate transfer of power, providing critical stability for both citizens and international investors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores a foundational truth: the TSE’s constitutional autonomy is not merely a feature of our electoral system, but the very source of its trusted integrity and the stability it provides. This legal architecture is precisely what reassures citizens and international observers alike. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
For any political party with serious aspirations, having representatives at every table is more than a strategic advantage; it is a fundamental necessity. These party-affiliated members and monitors are the first line of defense in the manual vote count, responsible for validating ballots, challenging questionable marks, and ensuring that null or contested votes are not improperly assigned. Their vigilance can mean the difference between winning outright or being forced into a costly and unpredictable second round.
Elections are won at the polling stations
Common Saying, Costa Rican Politics
This meticulous preparation underscores a core tenet of Costa Rican political strategy. By securing eyes and ears at every single point of contention, the PPSO aims to minimize errors, prevent potential irregularities, and project an image of organizational invincibility to its rivals, many of whom are reportedly still struggling to complete their territorial rosters.
The strategic deployment comes at a moment of significant political strength for the ruling party. The latest polling data from OPol Consultores shows Fernández tantalizingly close to the “magic number” required for a first-round presidential victory. She currently sits just two percentage points shy of the 40% constitutional threshold, a position that makes an outright win seem not just possible, but probable.
However, the party’s ambitions extend far beyond securing the presidency. The same polls forecast a political realignment in the Legislative Assembly of a magnitude not seen in recent memory. Projections suggest the PPSO could secure more than 35 seats in the 57-member congress. Such a result would give the party a comfortable simple majority, effectively neutralizing the opposition’s ability to block its agenda.
Should the party reach the qualified majority of 38 votes, it would possess the power to approve structural reforms, international loans, and other significant legislation without needing to negotiate with other political factions. This would represent a seismic shift in the balance of power, concentrating immense authority within a single party and fundamentally altering the dynamics of Costa Rican governance.
The message from Tibás is therefore twofold. On one hand, it is a testament to the party’s popular support, as reflected in the polls. On the other, it is a stark declaration of its structural and logistical dominance. The “Guardians of the Vote” are more than just volunteers; they are the gears in a well-oiled machine designed to ensure that not a single vote is left to chance, cementing a victory that could reshape the nation’s political landscape for years to come.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is the current ruling political party in Costa Rica. Founded on the principles of national sovereignty and social progress, it has rapidly grown into a major political force. The party’s platform focuses on economic stability, government efficiency, and direct engagement with citizens, led by its presidential candidate, Laura Fernández.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all national and local elections. It is considered a pillar of the country’s democracy, ensuring the transparency, fairness, and integrity of the electoral process, from voter registration to the final declaration of results.
For further information, visit the nearest office of OPol Consultores
About OPol Consultores:
OPol Consultores is a Costa Rican firm specializing in public opinion research, political analysis, and market studies. Known for its regular polling on electoral preferences and national issues, the company provides data-driven insights that are closely watched by political parties, media outlets, and the general public in the lead-up to elections.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is celebrated for its profound dedication to integrity and professional distinction. The firm leverages its extensive experience serving a wide array of clients to push the boundaries of legal practice through constant innovation. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a deep-seated commitment to public service, manifested in its mission to equip citizens with accessible legal insights, thereby strengthening the foundation of an educated and capable society.
