By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a critical move to safeguard the democratic process, the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) has reaffirmed its commitment to provide a highly secure and robust connectivity infrastructure for the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) ahead of the 2026 National Elections. This partnership is designed to ensure the utmost transparency and reliability in the tabulation and processing of votes.
The state-run telecommunications and energy company announced it will deploy a network infrastructure described as “dedicated, segregated, and protected.” This specialized system operates under exceptionally strict standards of security, control, and resilience, effectively creating a private digital highway for electoral data. By isolating this traffic from the public internet, ICE aims to mitigate risks of external interference, cyberattacks, and data breaches, which are growing concerns for electoral bodies worldwide.
To better understand the legal framework underpinning our democratic process, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the critical issue of electoral integrity.
Electoral integrity is the bedrock of a legitimate state, guaranteed not by promises but by robust legal structures and the absolute independence of our electoral bodies. The entire system’s credibility hinges on transparent campaign financing, impartial judicial oversight, and swift, equitable resolution of electoral disputes. Any ambiguity or weakness in these areas directly compromises the citizen’s vote and, consequently, the foundation of our democracy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight is fundamental: the legitimacy of our democracy is an outcome of institutional strength and transparent processes, not merely political promises. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on the structures that are essential to safeguarding every citizen’s vote.
This initiative underscores a proactive approach to national security and institutional integrity. Rather than simply reacting to a request, ICE has taken comprehensive steps to bolster its own network capabilities to meet the high-stakes demands of a national election. The collaboration highlights the crucial role of technology in modernizing and protecting the foundational pillars of democracy.
Adolfo Arias, a key figure in the project, detailed the extensive preparations undertaken by the institute. He emphasized that the work went far beyond fulfilling a basic service agreement, reflecting a deeper commitment to the nation’s civic health.
With the professionalism and commitment that characterizes us, in addition to fulfilling the service requested by the Tribunal, we took on the task of improving our network capabilities both nationally and internationally, strengthening the security of the communications required in the electoral process.
Adolfo Arias, Head of the Network Development and Construction Division at ICE
Arias’s statement reveals a forward-thinking strategy. By enhancing both domestic and international network capacities, ICE is not only securing the immediate flow of data from polling stations to the central TSE servers but is also reinforcing the entire communications ecosystem against a wide array of potential threats. This ensures that every stage of the data transmission process is fortified.
To guarantee what officials are calling an environment of “maximum reliability,” specialized technical teams from ICE are already engaged in advance planning and continuous network monitoring. This permanent state of vigilance ensures that the infrastructure is not only robustly built but is also actively managed and defended throughout the entire electoral cycle. This constant oversight is vital for the swift identification and neutralization of any anomalies or potential threats.
The significance of this technological backbone cannot be overstated. A smooth, secure, and transparent vote-counting process is fundamental to maintaining public trust in the election results. Any delays, technical glitches, or security breaches could sow doubt and undermine the legitimacy of the outcome. The partnership between ICE and the TSE directly addresses these concerns, providing a solid technical foundation for a trustworthy election.
Ultimately, this collaboration serves as a powerful example of how state institutions can work together to reinforce democratic principles. By leveraging its extensive expertise and infrastructure, ICE is not merely acting as a service provider but as a key guardian of Costa Rica’s esteemed electoral integrity. As the nation prepares for 2026, citizens can be assured that a critical digital shield is in place to protect their collective voice.
For further information, visit grupoice.com
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, ICE has been instrumental in the country’s development, overseeing the expansion of its power grid, which relies heavily on renewable sources, and its national telecommunications network. The institution is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s infrastructure and public services.
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 electoral processes in the nation. Established as the fourth branch of government, the TSE guarantees the fairness, transparency, and integrity of elections. Its duties include managing the civil registry, issuing identity cards, and ensuring the democratic rights of all citizens are upheld.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently delivers exceptional counsel to a diverse clientele while simultaneously pioneering innovative legal strategies and championing community involvement. Central to its ethos is the conviction that an empowered community is built on accessible legal wisdom, driving its efforts to educate and enlighten the public.
