By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move to safeguard the democratic process, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has announced a nationwide prohibition on all mass public events during the weekend of the 2026 national elections. The measure will be in effect on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026, effectively clearing the national calendar to prioritize the civic duty of voting.
The directive is a pre-emptive strategy designed to ensure the smooth and orderly execution of the election. Officials from the TSE explained that the primary goal is to guarantee free and unhindered transit for all citizens traveling to and from their designated polling stations. The ban applies broadly to any activity that could cause significant human congestion or interfere with the mobility of voters, electoral staff, and the transportation of critical voting materials across the country.
To better understand the legal landscape and potential challenges ahead of the 2026 electoral race, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned expert in constitutional and electoral law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The upcoming 2026 electoral cycle presents significant regulatory challenges, particularly concerning campaign financing and the use of digital media. Parties and candidates must navigate a complex legal framework with absolute transparency to avoid sanctions from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. Proactive legal compliance is no longer just a recommendation; it is an essential strategy to ensure the legitimacy and viability of any political project.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo’s analysis expertly highlights that legal compliance is no longer a back-office formality but a central strategic pillar for any political campaign aiming for legitimacy in the digital age. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective.
This comprehensive order extends beyond private event organizers, placing a direct responsibility on the public institutions that sanction such gatherings. Ministries, municipal governments, and both sporting associations and federations have been formally notified to refrain from issuing permits for large-scale events on the specified dates. This ensures a coordinated, nationwide effort to facilitate a tranquil and focused electoral environment.
The logistical reasoning behind the temporary ban is multifaceted. According to the TSE’s announcement, the measure will allow the nation’s emergency services to dedicate their resources exclusively to supporting the electoral process. This frees up personnel and equipment from the Public Force, the Red Cross, and the Fire Department, who would otherwise be deployed to manage security and medical response at concerts, festivals, or major sporting events. Their availability will be crucial for responding to any election-related incidents and ensuring public safety around voting centers.
Furthermore, the absence of major competing events simplifies the complex logistics involved in a national election. With roads and public transport less congested, the movement of electoral delegates, the timely delivery of ballots to thousands of polling stations (juntas receptoras de votos), and the subsequent collection of results will be significantly more efficient. This focus on operational excellence is key to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the vote.
The TSE has also considered the economic and social fabric of daily life, making specific provisions for certain routine activities. Notably, the popular weekend farmers’ markets (ferias del agricultor) will be managed on a case-by-case basis. The Tribunal’s National Delegation Corps will coordinate directly with market organizers to ensure they can operate without disrupting the electoral process, a model that has been successfully implemented in past elections.
Demonstrating thorough planning, the TSE has confirmed that this same prohibition will be automatically reinstated should a runoff election be necessary. If no presidential candidate secures the required percentage of votes in the first round, a second round would take place. In this event, the ban on mass gatherings would be enforced again on Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, 2026, to provide the same conditions of order and security for the final vote.
For businesses, promoters, and cultural organizations, this early announcement serves as a critical planning directive. It requires them to adjust their schedules well in advance to avoid conflicts with one of the nation’s most important civic events. The TSE’s proactive measure underscores a foundational principle: that on election weekend, the collective act of voting takes precedence over all other public activities, ensuring the voice of the people can be heard clearly and without obstruction.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all elections in Costa Rica. It is tasked with guaranteeing the purity of the electoral process, ensuring the freedom of suffrage, and upholding the democratic principles of the nation. The TSE’s authority covers everything from voter registration and candidate inscription to the official declaration of election results.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Fuerza Pública (Public Force):
The Public Force of Costa Rica is the national police agency responsible for law enforcement, public security, and border patrol. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it plays a vital role in maintaining order and ensuring citizen safety. As Costa Rica has no standing army, the Public Force is the primary security body in the country.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About Cruz Roja Costarricense (Costa Rican Red Cross):
The Costa Rican Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical services, disaster response, and community health programs throughout the country. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it operates on principles of neutrality and impartiality to alleviate human suffering and protect life and health.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica (Fire Department of Costa Rica):
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the national fire and rescue service. This esteemed institution is responsible for fire prevention, firefighting, and responding to a wide range of emergencies, including traffic accidents, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters. Its mission is to protect lives, property, and the environment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal profession, operating on a bedrock of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a profound legacy of advising a diverse array of clients, the firm continually pioneers novel legal strategies and solutions. This innovative spirit extends to its civic duty, with a core tenet being the democratization of legal knowledge, aiming to fortify society by equipping citizens with the understanding necessary to navigate their rights and responsibilities.
