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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments: For Legislative Assembly effects, the administrative territorial division is used. Each of the seven provinces constitutes an electoral district. However, the Supreme Tribunal of Elections (TSE) is empowered to divide an administrative district in two or three parts for election purposes.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 143: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Electoral circumscriptions: "División territorial electoral que regirá para las elecciones del 4 de febrero de 2018": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-7-2017-division-territorial-electoral.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . The Electoral Management Body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral (2010)”, art. 12 & 143.
Verified: 2012/06/21
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
c . Compactness of constituencies
Comments: Existing provincial boundaries are used.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 143: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Electoral circumscriptions: "División territorial electoral que regirá para las elecciones del 4 de febrero de 2018": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-7-2017-division-territorial-electoral.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . Executive g . Other
Comments: Existing provincial boundaries are used.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 143: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Electoral circumscriptions: "División territorial electoral que regirá para las elecciones del 4 de febrero de 2018": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-7-2017-division-territorial-electoral.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
l . Other
Comments:
Source: Ley Electoral, art: 143.
Verified: 2011/01/13
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 138 & 139: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 201: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
b . Directly elected in general elections, absolute majority (with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: If 40% of valid votes is not attained, there is a second round where the two candidates who obtained the largest amount of votes in the first round participate.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 138: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/;
Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 201: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 136: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The Legislative Assembly in Costa Rica is unicameral, composed of 57 representatives.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 105 & 106: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The 57 members that make up the Legislative Assembly are elected for a period of four years by means of partisan nomination and direct popular voting. Immediate reelection is not allowed.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 106: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 151 & 201: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
c . Regional/provincial level
Comments:
Source: Constitución, art: 106.
Verified: 2011/01/13
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2011/01/13
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments: Although the National Constitution establishes the fundamental provisions regarding elections, there is a specific legislation to regulate the organization and the process of elections.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 3: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/21
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: It regulates the elections for president and vice-president, for members of Parliament, majors, municipal trustees, and aldermen, as well as members of district and municipal councils.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 150: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
c . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: Although the Constitution establishes the mandatory nature of suffrage, there is no sanction for the people who do not vote.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: Electoral challenges and disputes are solved by provincial and cantonal electoral boards, and by the General Directorate of the Civil Registry. Their judgements may be appealed before the Supreme Elections Tribunal. However, it is possible to resort directly to the Tribunal by means of an electoral challenge and a voiding action.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 12:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 150: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Legislative Assembly. The preparation of the ordinary budget project corresponds to the Executive Branch, through a specialized department. However, the expenses budgeted by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to validate the suffrage may not be challenged by this department. The Legislative Assembly is in charge of approving the budget.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 121 (11) & 177: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The electoral body is independent and autonomous in its decisions. It counts on an Office of Electoral Auditing and Accounting in order to control its resources, as well as survey, verify, and account the operations of the Civil Registry. The general survey of public expense is carried out by the General Comptrollership of the Republic, which is a body of the Legislative Branch.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 183: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 303: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The Tribunal is made up by three incumbent and six deputy magistrates in office for a six year term. An incumbent and two deputy magistrates must be renewed every two years, although they may be reelected. From a year before until six months after the elections the TSE must be composed of five incumbent magistrates, so two of the deputy magistrates are appointed incumbent magistrates.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 101: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
a . Elected (specify by whom)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral (2010)”, art. 20.
Verified: 2012/06/21
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica (2003)”, art. 99: http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/constitucion.pdf (2014) http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The EMB consists of 3 members. Starting from one year before any presidential or legislative elections and until 6 months after the completion of such elections, the EMB is enlarged to 5 members to include two of its 6 substitute members.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 159: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
f . Judiciary
Comments: The EMB members are selected by the Supreme Court of Justice.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body
Comments: The TSE (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones) is empowered to define the necessary tools to ensure the electoral transparency and the free exercise of suffrage. Some of these tools are giving information to the voters about the polling sites and the voting procedure.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 12 & 309: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has standing offices for training and public relations, through which it offers several programs of electoral training.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 309: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body e . Yes, conducted by the Government
Comments: Alongside the educational task carried out by the Tribunal, the Ministry of Public Education offers mandatory and permanent programs of civic education in elementary and junior high schools throughout the country.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 309: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/07/05
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
a . Disabled b . Young people/ first time voters e . Indigenous groups
Comments:
Source: TSE (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones)
Verified: 2009/07/05
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 90: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 144: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship d . Naturalization e . Other
Comments: d. Naturalized citizens can only vote 12 months after acquiring such status.
e. To be included in the Civil Registry and not having one's political rights suspended.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 94: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 144: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Supreme Tribunal of Elections (TSE). The Civil Registry, through its Elections Department, is in charge of the voter roll, and depends only on the TSE.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 104: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 4 & 26: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 93: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 26: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: a. The support of three thousand voters enrolled in the civil registry if the election is national, or 1% of the voters in the corresponding electoral district (provincial or cantonal).
c. Hold assemblies at the corresponding levels.
f. Submit the party's charter and bylaws
The parties may be national (presidential and legislative elections), provincial (legislative elections), or cantonal (municipal authorities). Whichever party it is, it has to be made up through a notary act endorsed by a group of no less than fifty voters. The party has a term of two years to register in the civil registry in order to have official validation as a political party.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 60-62: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source:
Verified: 2011/01/14
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence
Comments: a. 21 years old
b. Born or naturalized
d. For the naturalized citizens there is a requirement of a minimum of ten years residing in the country after having obtained the citizenship.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 108: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature only consists of one chamber.
Source:
Verified: 2011/01/14
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Neither in presidential nor legislative elections
Comments: Only the candidates nominated by the parties registered in the Civil Registry are entitled to participate in the elections.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 148: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: The political parties that obtained the percentage of votes set forth by the Political Constitution are the only ones entitled to receive the State contribution.
c) Postage franking and use of public buildings
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 96: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 90: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Regulations on political parties' funding: "Reglamento sobre el financiamiento de los partidos políticos", http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-17-2009-reglamento-financiamiento-partidos-politicos.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: The legislation sets forth that a political party is entitled to receive the contribution of the State if it obtains a minimum of 4% of the issued votes.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 96: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 90: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/; Regulations on political parties' funding: "Reglamento sobre el financiamiento de los partidos políticos", http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-17-2009-reglamento-financiamiento-partidos-politicos.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: National corporations may give out contributions or any other kind of donation, in money or goods, up to a yearly amount of 45 minimum wages established by the Ordinary Budget of the Republic, but only to be spent on research on political parties. An accrual of these contributions during the presidential term (four years) is allowed.
Individual citizens can give any amount.
Foreign aid is illegal.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 86 & 120: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/; Regulations on political parties' funding: "Reglamento sobre el financiamiento de los partidos políticos", art. 79: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-17-2009-reglamento-financiamiento-partidos-politicos.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
Vote Counting
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties/candidates listed) d . Categorical (only possible to make one mark) f . Same ballot papers used nation-wide j . Candidate photos in color n . Random listing (lottery) o . Ballots signed or otherwise authenticated by polling station officials
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 182: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
a . Separate ballots for different elections b . Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box c . Tally of voters who voted g . Single tallying as voters are being called out j . Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate p . Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count t . Other
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
e . National level
Comments: The electoral results of each vote reception board are immediately broadcast through the predefined media, to the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
Source: Electoral Law 122.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: Provinces.
Source: Constitución, art: 106.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
a . Never recounted
Comments: The final tally (not necessarily a recount) is directly carried out by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE), and thus, the tally of the polling stations is subject to the results given by the TSE.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 182 & 184: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments: Ballots are never recounted.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Ballots are never recounted.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
j . Not applicable
Comments: Ballots are never recounted.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is in charge of the official declaration, once the final counting of votes is defined.
Source: Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: 30 days for the presidential election. After defining the total amount of valid votes after the tally, the declaration of elections is made. Maximum periods are established to carry out this task depending on the kind of election held:
President and vice-president 30 days;
Members of Parliament 50 days;
Municipal aldermen and trustees 60 days.
Source: Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable i . Not applicable
Comments: There is no allocation of free broadcast time or free printed advertisement space to political parties.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 136-142: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/; Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones: *http://www.tse.go.cr/comunicado478.htm *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMSnA_VZPNI *https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBXIuUaJFCI; Radio Monumental: http://www.monumental.co.cr/2017/11/15/radio-monumental-realizara-once-debates-de-cara-a-las-elecciones-nacionales-2018/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: The day of the election and the two days before that.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 138: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102, 105, 123, 129, 168 & 195: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 12: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/; Referendum Law: "Ley de regulación del referéndum": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-8492-regulacion-referendum.pdf/; Citizens' Initiative Law: "Ley de iniciativa popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8491-de-iniciativa-popular.pdf/view
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 168: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102, 105, 123, 129 & 195: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 123: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Citizens' Initiative Law: "Ley de iniciativa popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8491-de-iniciativa-popular.pdf/; Regulations for Citizens' Initiative: "Reglamento para la iniciativa popular": http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-04-2007-reglamento-iniciativa-popular.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 195: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Municipal Law: "Ley 7794, Código Municipal", art. 19: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-7794-codigo-municipal-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments j . Other (specify)
Comments: j. Citizens can propose laws provided the matter to be legislated is not one of the specified in the Constitution, article 105; a referendum can take place upon the proposition of citizenry, the Legislative Assembly or the Executive and Legislative Assembly jointly.
Source: Constitution: 105.
Referendum Law: 3.
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Comments:
Source: C: 105.
Referendum Law: 3.
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: For an ordinary legislation, when at least 30% of the citizenry; an 40% for constitutional amendements and every othe issue that requires legislative approval by a qualified majority.
Source: C: 102.
Referendum Law: 4.
Verified: 2007/10/08
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 102 (9): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/; Referendum Law: "Ley de regulación del referéndum", art. 4: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-decreto-8492-regulacion-referendum.pdf/
Regulations for the referendum: "Reglamento para los procesos del referéndum", art. 18: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-reglamento-procesos-referendum.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Política de la República de Costa Rica”, art. 105: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-constitucion-politica-reformas-2015.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Municipal Law: "Ley 7794, Código Municipal", art. 19: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-7794-codigo-municipal-2018.pdf/
Verified: 2018/01/24
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
f . 1981-2000
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/22
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
g . >2000
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/06/22
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral (2010)”, art. 164: http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/codigoelectoral.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/02/05
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: Los ciudadanos costarricenses podrán ejercer el derecho a emitir su voto en el extranjero para designar a quien ocupe la Presidencia y Vicepresidencia de la República, así como para manifestarse en las consultas populares de orden nacional.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral (2010)”, art. 187-188: http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/codigoelectoral.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/02/05
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments: El Tribunal podrá instalar las juntas receptoras de votos que considere necesarias para garantizar la participación de los ciudadanos nacionales que se encuentran fuera del país. Éstas podrán ser ubicadas en los consulados que Costa Rica mantenga abiertos en territorio extranjero o en el lugar que autorice el Tribunal según propuesta de la autoridad consular.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral (2010)”, art. 189: http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/codigoelectoral.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/06/04
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: El Tribunal podrá definir, por lo menos con seis meses de anticipación, el uso de medios electrónicos de votación, cuando llegue a determinar que son confiables y seguros. Entonces, podrá prescindir de las papeletas y los procedimientos inherentes a su uso, aunque siempre deberá garantizarse un registro en soporte de papel que sirva para auditar la votación electrónica.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral (2010)”, art. 169: http://www.tse.go.cr/pdf/normativa/codigoelectoral.pdf (2014)
Verified: 2014/06/04
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