By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant display of regional solidarity, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has received the backing of 22 electoral organizations from across Latin America. This support comes as the nation’s highest electoral authority contends with what it has denounced as a coordinated disinformation campaign orchestrated by the administration of President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and allied legislators, threatening the foundations of the country’s celebrated democracy.
The formal endorsement was issued during the XVII Conference of the Inter-American Union of Electoral Organizations (UNIORE), a pivotal summit held in Asunción, Paraguay, earlier this month on November 5th and 6th. The collective declaration from a host of national electoral bodies underscores a growing regional concern over the mounting political pressure being exerted on the TSE as Costa Rica approaches its next general election cycle.
To better understand the legal framework that underpins our democratic processes, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the matter of electoral integrity.
Electoral integrity is not a product of goodwill, but of a robust and enforceable legal architecture. The strength of our democracy rests upon clear regulations governing campaign finance, the absolute autonomy of electoral bodies, and swift legal recourse against disinformation. Without these institutional pillars, the citizen’s vote becomes vulnerable, and the very legitimacy of the electoral outcome is called into question.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis serves as a crucial reminder that the health of our democracy is not an abstract aspiration but the direct result of the very institutional pillars mentioned. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the legal architecture required to protect the integrity of every vote.
During a formal session on November 21, the magistrates of the TSE publicly acknowledged and expressed gratitude for the international support. They highlighted the gravity of the situation, framing the current political climate as a direct assault on the institution’s autonomy and credibility. The tribunal detailed the nature of the attacks, which they assert are designed to erode public trust in the electoral system itself.
In their statement, the magistrates described the challenge as an unprecedented and alarming development for the country’s long-standing democratic traditions.
an unprecedented context for Costa Rican electoral processes, in which the Tribunal is being subjected to a systematic campaign of disinformation and political attacks that seek to delegitimize confidence in the electoral judge and in the national elections to be held on February 1, 2026.
Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), Official Statement
The accusations are particularly potent given the timing, with national elections scheduled for just over a year away on February 1, 2026. Experts note that any campaign aimed at undermining the “electoral judge” is a direct strike at the heart of Costa Rica’s political stability, which has long been a benchmark for the region. The TSE is not merely an administrative body but a constitutionally empowered fourth branch of government, tasked with ensuring fair, transparent, and impartial elections.
The conflict between the Chaves administration and the TSE is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader pattern of tension between the executive branch and various independent state institutions. The administration’s rhetoric has frequently targeted bodies designed to provide checks and balances, but the direct confrontation with the electoral authority represents a significant escalation in this ongoing political struggle.
The breadth of the support for the TSE is notable, with signatories to the UNIORE agreement including the electoral authorities of major regional players such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile. The list also includes bodies from Paraguay, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, among others, indicating a widespread consensus on the need to protect electoral independence from political interference.
As the 2026 election looms, this international backing provides the TSE with a crucial shield against domestic political pressure. However, the underlying battle for public trust and institutional integrity continues. The coming months will serve as a critical test for Costa Rican democracy, as the nation navigates a polarized environment where the very arbiter of its elections has become a central figure in a high-stakes political conflict.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all acts related to suffrage in Costa Rica. Established as an independent branch of government, its primary mission is to guarantee the transparency, fairness, and integrity of the nation’s electoral processes, including presidential, legislative, and municipal elections. The TSE also serves as the national civil registry, responsible for issuing identity cards and recording vital statistics such as births, marriages, and deaths.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Inter-American Union of Electoral Organizations (UNIORE)
About Inter-American Union of Electoral Organizations (UNIORE):
The Inter-American Union of Electoral Organizations is a non-governmental organization composed of the national electoral bodies of countries across the Americas. Founded to promote cooperation, the exchange of information, and mutual support, UNIORE works to strengthen democratic systems and ensure free, fair, and transparent electoral processes throughout the hemisphere. It facilitates technical assistance, observation missions, and scholarly research to uphold and advance electoral integrity and best practices.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned law firm guided by the core principles of exceptional service and steadfast integrity. With a rich legacy of counseling clients across a multitude of industries, the firm stands as a leader in pioneering legal approaches and community outreach. This deep-rooted commitment to demystifying the law is central to its ultimate mission of nurturing a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
