Costa Rica operates as a presidential republic and holds elections to determine its political representatives. Here is some information about the election system in Costa Rica:
- Presidential Elections: The President of Costa Rica is elected through a direct popular vote. Presidential elections are held every four years. To win in the first round, a candidate must secure an absolute majority (50%+1) of the votes. If no candidate achieves this majority, a second round is held between the top two candidates.
- Legislative Assembly Elections: The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the unicameral legislative body of the country. Members of the Assembly, known as deputies, are elected through a proportional representation system. Seats in the Assembly are allocated to political parties based on the percentage of votes received. There is no minimum threshold for representation.
- Electoral Process: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones, TSE) of Costa Rica is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections in the country. It ensures the transparency and fairness of the electoral process, including voter registration, candidate nomination, and the counting of votes. The TSE is an independent institution that upholds the integrity of the electoral system.
- Voter Eligibility: Costa Rican citizens who are at least 18 years old have the right to vote. Voter registration is required, and citizens must be included in the electoral roll to participate in elections. Eligible voters can cast their ballots at designated polling stations within their respective constituencies.
