By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) issued a firm and detailed response this week to inquiries from United States Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart regarding the ongoing process to potentially lift President Rodrigo Chaves’s immunity. The Tribunal defended the nation’s robust democratic framework and characterized the external questions as a political maneuver with no legal standing in Costa Rican affairs.
The international exchange was initiated after Rep. Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, expressed significant reservations about the procedure. He formally requested a meeting with Costa Rica’s ambassador in Washington, D.C., citing “serious concerns.” The Congressman amplified his position publicly, highlighting his role in overseeing foreign assistance related to democratic support.
As Chairman of the subcommittee responsible for providing foreign assistance to support democracy and our allies, I am deeply concerned about the situation developing in Costa Rica. The possibility that a sitting president—in one of…
Mario Díaz-Balart, U.S. Congressman
In a direct rebuttal, the TSE outlined its position in a four-point statement, emphasizing the strength and international recognition of Costa Rica’s democracy. The Tribunal highlighted that the country ranks 18th globally among full democracies, a position surpassed in the Americas only by Canada and Uruguay. This statistical validation was presented as a cornerstone of the nation’s political stability and institutional reliability.
Furthermore, the electoral body addressed the nature of the Congressman’s intervention directly. The TSE classified the assertions made by Diaz-Balart as a “political act by foreign political representatives.” Crucially, the statement noted that such acts have “no incidence in the Costa Rican electoral process,” thereby drawing a clear line between international political commentary and the sovereign legal procedures of the nation.
A key element of the TSE’s communication was to clarify a widespread misconception about the immunity process itself. The Tribunal explained that the procedure underway is strictly governed by Article 270 of the electoral code. This process concerns the potential lifting of immunity to allow for an investigation, not a pronouncement on the President’s guilt or a move toward destitution. The distinction is vital, as it separates a procedural legal step from a political judgment on the President’s tenure.
Finally, the TSE affirmed its complete deference to the constitutional separation of powers. The statement concluded by asserting that the Tribunal will fully respect the final decision made by the Legislative Assembly, which holds the ultimate authority in this matter. This commitment underscores the institutional roles within the Costa Rican government, where the judiciary and electoral bodies facilitate processes while the legislature makes the final determination, all while adhering strictly to the principles of due process.
This episode places Costa Rica’s well-regarded democratic institutions under an international spotlight. While the inquiry from a U.S. official introduces an external dimension, the TSE’s response signals a clear message: the country’s internal legal and political processes are sound, transparent, and will proceed according to its own constitutional order, independent of foreign political pressure. The final chapter of this complex issue will be written by the nation’s own Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all acts related to suffrage in Costa Rica. It functions as the nation’s fourth branch of government, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. Beyond managing elections, it also handles matters of civil registry, including issuing identity documents and recording vital statistics for all citizens.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About Asamblea Legislativa:
The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Costa Rica. Comprising 57 deputies elected by proportional representation, this body is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and exercising political control over the executive branch. It plays a crucial role in the system of checks and balances, including the authority to deliberate on and decide matters of presidential immunity.
