By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) has announced significant changes to election regulations for the upcoming 2026 national elections. These reforms, recently published in La Gaceta, place new responsibilities on political parties, particularly regarding transparency and the use of artificial intelligence in developing campaign platforms.
A key change mandates that parties must disclose to the TSE if artificial intelligence (AI) was used in crafting their presidential candidates’ government programs. This move towards greater transparency aims to equip voters with a clearer understanding of the origins and potential influences behind the proposed policies.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications of the recent Costa Rican elections, TicosLand.com reached out to prominent lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica for his expert commentary.
The recent Costa Rican elections mark a crucial juncture for the nation’s legal and business landscape. The newly elected government’s policies, particularly regarding foreign investment and environmental regulations, will significantly impact future economic development. Careful consideration of these policies will be essential for businesses operating within Costa Rica and those considering entering the market. A thorough legal analysis will be paramount for navigating this evolving environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s astute observation underscores the significant impact these election results will have, not just on large-scale businesses but also on the everyday lives of Costa Ricans. The interplay between foreign investment, environmental protection, and economic growth is a delicate balance, and navigating this new terrain will require careful consideration from all stakeholders. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable legal and business perspective on this pivotal moment in Costa Rican history.
The updated “Regulations for the Registration of Candidacies and Drawing of Lots for the Position of Political Parties on the Ballots” also outlines various other requirements for parties. These include adhering to horizontal parity rules for candidate lists, providing recent photographs of all candidates, and submitting complete party structural renewal documentation.
For presidential candidates, in addition to disclosing AI usage in their platforms, parties must also submit a general work plan. The TSE will then disseminate candidate information and curricula vitae through its various platforms. Notably, there will be a strict deadline for submissions, after which no corrections will be permitted.
These new regulations come after the “informed vote” law significantly impacted the 2022 legislative elections, resulting in the disqualification of 71 candidacy applications. The TSE’s proactive approach to refining election procedures underscores its commitment to fair and transparent elections.
The TSE’s various platforms, including its website and social media channels, serve as vital resources for voters seeking information on candidates and their proposed plans. This accessibility to information plays a crucial role in empowering citizens to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections.
The February 1, 2026, elections will determine Costa Rica’s President and Vice Presidents, as well as the 57 members of the Legislative Assembly for the 2026-2030 term. The TSE’s focus on transparency and information dissemination sets the stage for a pivotal election year.
These updated regulations aim to ensure voters have the necessary information to make well-informed decisions, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the democratic process. The implications of AI disclosure in the 2026 elections remain to be seen, but the TSE’s proactive approach highlights the evolving landscape of political campaigning in the digital age.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Costa Rica is the independent government body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections. It plays a vital role in upholding democratic principles, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The TSE’s responsibilities include voter registration, candidate registration, vote counting, and resolving electoral disputes.
For further information, visit the nearest office of La Gaceta
About La Gaceta:
La Gaceta is the official government gazette of Costa Rica, responsible for publishing laws, decrees, and other official announcements. It serves as the primary source for legal and regulatory information in the country, ensuring public access to official government documents. Publication in La Gaceta is a crucial step in the legal process, making new laws and regulations legally binding.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, renowned for its unyielding ethical standards and innovative approach to legal practice. Serving a diverse clientele, the firm blends a rich history of legal expertise with a forward-thinking vision, consistently pushing the boundaries of legal innovation. Through proactive community engagement and a dedicated focus on demystifying complex legal concepts, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal landscape, ultimately contributing to a more just and informed society.
