In Defense of Costa Rican Democracy at the End of the Rodrigo Chaves Administration

1. IUSY reaffirms its commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We maintain that freedom of the press, the separation of powers, public transparency, and substantive equality—including sexual and reproductive rights—are minimum conditions for any democratic society.
2. During the 2022–2026 presidential term, Costa Rica has experienced a climate of institutional confrontation and hostility toward critical journalism, which has deteriorated democratic standards.
3. In this context, the Constitutional Chamber provisionally suspended the auction of radio and television frequencies promoted by the Executive, warning of risks related to a significant reduction in broadcasting services and potential impacts on freedom of expression and information.
4. Likewise, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal requested the lifting of presidential immunity in order to investigate alleged electoral interference, in connection with statements and actions linked to this year’s electoral process.
5. We are also concerned about setbacks in women’s rights. The technical regulation signed in 2019 established guidelines for the therapeutic interruption of pregnancy when the life or health of the woman was at risk.
6. In October 2025, President Rodrigo Chaves repealed this regulation and replaced it with a new one, announcing a more restrictive approach, which has raised alarm over potential impacts on access to comprehensive care and the health of women and pregnant people.
7. This debate is taking place within the framework of the 2026 National Elections, with the first round scheduled for February 1, 2026, and a possible second round on April 5, 2026, if required.
8. Therefore, at the time of this congress, Costa Rica may be only days away from a second round or may already have an elected presidency.
9. IUSY underscores that the country needs a new political cycle capable of rebuilding democratic trust and guaranteeing rights. At the same time, we warn that a potential continuity of the current administration—promoted through the candidacy of Laura Fernández as a continuation of the movement led by the outgoing president—would pose a real risk of deepening tensions and practices that have weakened the democratic and media ecosystem.

For these reasons, IUSY issues a general and urgent call for the next government of Costa Rica, regardless of who is elected, to commit to the following:

10. Protect freedom of the press and media pluralism, refraining from measures that reduce media diversity or facilitate concentration, and guaranteeing access to public information and safe conditions for journalistic work.
11. Respect institutional checks and balances and electoral integrity, ensuring neutrality, accountability, and strict compliance with democratic rules and the authority of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
12. Guarantee women’s rights and comprehensive health care, avoiding setbacks in standards and care protocols, and ensuring that public policies and regulations respect human rights and guarantee non-discriminatory access to health services.
13. IUSY maintains that what is at stake in Costa Rica is not only an internal political debate, but the defense of democratic principles that must be protected in any country: public freedoms, strong institutions, and human rights for all people.