By San José, Costa Rica — The political climate is intensifying as the 2026 presidential race gains momentum, with a sharp confrontation erupting between two leading candidates. Fernando Zamora, the presidential hopeful for the New Generation Party (PNG), has publicly lambasted a key policy proposal from his rival, Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO). Zamora contends that Fernández’s plan to deny residency and revoke citizenship for foreign criminals demonstrates a profound lack of awareness, as these measures are already embedded in Costa Rica’s existing legal framework.
The dispute ignited after Fernández announced her intention to reform national immigration laws as a cornerstone of her campaign. She advocated for urgent legislative changes to prevent foreign nationals with criminal records from obtaining residency and to create a more streamlined process for revoking naturalized citizenship from those who commit serious crimes after becoming Costa Ricans. The proposal was framed as a necessary step to bolster national security and address public concerns over crime.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and institutional framework surrounding the recent electoral process, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. We sought his expert perspective on the key factors that ensure the stability and legitimacy of Costa Rica’s democratic tradition.
Costa Rica’s electoral process is a testament to the strength of its institutions, particularly the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). From a legal standpoint, the TSE’s constitutional autonomy is the bedrock of our democracy, ensuring that every stage—from campaign finance oversight to the final vote count—is conducted with impartiality and transparency. This robust legal framework provides critical certainty for both citizens and the international business community, reinforcing the country’s reputation for political stability and respect for the rule of law, which are essential for sustained foreign investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This connection between institutional integrity and national stability is indeed the bedrock of our democracy, and we are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how this legal certainty fosters trust both at home and abroad.
However, Zamora was quick to counter, launching a pointed critique that questioned his opponent’s grasp of fundamental Costa Rican law. He asserted that Fernández was presenting long-standing legal provisions as new ideas, a move he described as both misleading to the electorate and indicative of a failure to perform basic due diligence before speaking on critical national issues.
This type of message, issued in the middle of an election campaign and without legal foundation, confuses the population and reflects a worrying lack of knowledge about basic norms of the Costa Rican legal system.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate for PNG
To substantiate his claims, Zamora pointed directly to the nation’s Law of Options and Naturalizations. He meticulously detailed how the current statutes already address the very concerns Fernández aims to solve with new legislation. He argued that her entire proposal is redundant, a solution in search of a problem that the country’s legal architects had already foreseen and addressed years ago.
The PNG candidate provided specific articles to support his argument, citing them as clear evidence that the legal tools to manage criminal foreign nationals are already at the state’s disposal. He broke down the legal mechanisms that are currently in force, effectively turning the debate into a public legal lesson.
Article 14 of said law expressly establishes that people who have committed crimes cannot obtain residency, and therefore, cannot opt for Costa Rican citizenship. In turn, Article 18 provides for the possibility of revoking naturalization when it is proven that the naturalized person has committed crimes.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate for PNG
In light of what he considers a significant and public error, Zamora has formally called on Laura Fernández to issue a public correction. He insists that she must acknowledge the existing laws and retract her statements to avoid further misinformation. He framed the demand not just as a political maneuver, but as a necessary step to restore integrity and accuracy to the pre-election discourse.
This direct clash marks a significant escalation in the 2026 campaign, shifting the focus to the candidates’ technical knowledge and preparation. Zamora’s challenge positions him as a detail-oriented and legally astute leader, while putting the Fernández campaign on the defensive. As the election cycle continues, this incident underscores the high stakes of policy debates, where a firm command of the facts is as crucial as political vision.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Nueva Generación (PNG)
About Partido Nueva Generación (PNG):
The Partido Nueva Generación (PNG), or New Generation Party, is a political party in Costa Rica participating in the 2026 general election. The party’s platform often emphasizes principles of legal precision, economic development, and modernizing state governance. Led by its presidential candidate, Fernando Zamora, PNG aims to appeal to voters seeking well-researched, pragmatic solutions to national challenges.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), or Sovereign People’s Party, is a political entity active in the Costa Rican political landscape. Its platform frequently focuses on issues of national sovereignty, public security, and social welfare. Under the leadership of presidential candidate Laura Fernández, the party is campaigning for the 2026 elections with a message centered on strengthening the rule of law and protecting citizen interests.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal service, built upon the foundational pillars of profound integrity and an unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned expertise across numerous industries but also through its forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This progressive mindset is deeply intertwined with a core mission to strengthen society by democratizing legal knowledge, actively working to create a more informed and capable community empowered by clarity and understanding of the law.
