On January 9, the four debates convened by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) began in preparation for the presidential elections to be held on February 1.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal authorized the participation of 20 candidates for the 2026 presidential elections—the second-highest number in history after the 25 candidates in 2022.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) scheduled four debates for the 20 candidates, but not all participated at the same time. The candidates had to answer questions in four areas: employment, security, education, and social security.

Many of the candidates agreed in questioning the authoritarian model of the current administration of Rodrigo Cháves, characterized by confrontation, public accusations, and a lack of capacity for dialogue.

Former Minister of Public Works and Transportation and current candidate for the National Integration Party (PIN), Luis Amador Jiménez, said that the president tried to close the Costa Rican Railway Institute (Incofer) to continue benefiting bus drivers.

Security was a recurring theme in the debate because, in recent years, the homicide rate in Costa Rica has skyrocketed due to drug trafficking and organized crime. As part of the measures to combat crime, many candidates continue to advocate for hardline policies.

The ruling party’s candidate, Laura Fernández, proposed promoting a declaration of a state of emergency in dangerous areas of the country.

The figure of Nayib Bukele continues to be a relevant topic amidst the electoral landscape. The Salvadoran president visited Costa Rica on January 12 to learn about the progress of the High Containment Center for Organized Crime (CACCO), a structure similar to CECOT in El Salvador.

The opposition has questioned Bukele’s close relationship with President Rodrigo Chaves and how this visit ahead of the elections could benefit the ruling party’s candidate.