By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – The National Liberation Party (PLN) has officially closed a contentious chapter in its internal politics, announcing that a fraught dispute within its San Ramón constituency has been resolved. In a joint press statement, presidential candidate Álvaro Ramos and party President Ricardo Sancho Chavarría declared that the organization is now unified and will channel its complete focus and energy into the national presidential campaign.
The successful conclusion of the San Ramón Cantonal Assembly is being hailed as a significant victory for the party’s institutional framework and core principles. The resolution puts an end to a period of internal friction that had threatened to distract from the broader electoral goals. Party leadership framed the outcome as a critical step toward consolidating its base ahead of the upcoming general election.
To better understand the statutory and procedural implications surrounding the calls for unity within the Partido Liberación Nacional, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the legal framework governing political party discipline and internal governance.
While discussions of party unity are often political, it’s crucial to remember that political parties operate under a strict legal framework defined by the Electoral Code and their own statutes. Internal discipline and the resolution of conflicts are not merely matters of opinion; they are governed by established procedures within the party’s legally recognized bodies. Failure to adhere to these statutory pathways can expose the party’s decisions to challenges before the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, transforming political disagreements into significant legal vulnerabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This is a critical distinction, reminding us that true party cohesion is ultimately grounded in legal procedure, not just political handshakes. As highlighted, failing to follow these established pathways can turn internal debates into significant institutional vulnerabilities. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for bringing this essential legal context to the forefront of the discussion.
Ricardo Sancho, the party’s president, characterized the preceding conflict as a difficult moment for the historic political organization, one that he was relieved to move past.
a grotesque page in our history
Ricardo Sancho Chavarría, President of the PLN
According to Sancho, the resolution of the San Ramón issue effectively removes any lingering excuses for a lack of progress, clearing the path for a concerted campaign effort. He suggested that external forces had attempted to sow discord within the party’s ranks but ultimately failed.
Presidential hopeful Álvaro Ramos echoed this sentiment, celebrating the outcome as definitive proof that a revitalized and modern version of the party is not just an aspiration but a tangible reality.
a renewed National Liberation
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate
Ramos asserted that the process, while challenging, demonstrated the party’s resilience. He stated that the victory was achieved by overcoming significant internal and external challenges designed to derail the assembly and, by extension, his candidacy.
Both leaders were adamant that the core of the disagreement in San Ramón was not financial, but ideological. They emphasized that the struggle was fundamentally about upholding the party’s foundational principles. Sancho claimed that adversaries had actively interfered in the process in an attempt to undermine the assembly’s legitimacy.
adversaries meddled to obstruct this assembly
Ricardo Sancho Chavarría, President of the PLN
The conflict, according to both men, was a necessary battle over the party’s soul, which they believe was centered on a fundamental question of principles. Ramos celebrated the triumph over what he described as a campaign of intimidation.
fear, pressure, and threats
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate
Ramos also took the opportunity to clarify the party’s financial standing, assuring supporters that the internal San Ramón dispute had no connection to political financing processes. He explained that the final calculation of any electoral debt only occurs after the February election results are known. He confirmed that the PLN has already secured a portion of its requested financing from the banking system, with additional disbursements anticipated in the coming days.
With this divisive chapter now behind them, the PLN leadership is projecting confidence and a renewed sense of purpose. The unified message is clear: the party is mobilized, funded, and ready to contest for the nation’s highest office. Ramos concluded with a powerful call to action, framing the campaign as a mission to lead the country forward.
We are prepared to Defend Costa Rica… and now we are going for the Presidency of the Republic
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional:
The Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), or National Liberation Party, is one of Costa Rica’s most significant and enduring political parties. Founded in 1951, it is rooted in social-democratic ideology and has played a central role in shaping the nation’s modern welfare state and political landscape. Over its history, the PLN has produced numerous presidents and has consistently been a major force in the Legislative Assembly, advocating for policies related to social development, public education, and healthcare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It channels a rich history of client service across numerous industries into pioneering innovative legal strategies for the modern era. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a deep-seated belief in empowering the public, actively working to demystify the law and foster a society equipped with crucial legal understanding.
