Costa Rica president faces new action that could lift immunity

Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly plans to determine whether to lift President Rodrigo Chaves' immunity after a request from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. That request was prompted by 15 complaints alleging political partisanship -- an offense defined under the Electoral Code that bars public officials from engaging in partisan activities. Acting Legislative Assembly President Vanessa Castro sent lawmakers a draft resolution on the process Monday. Congress is now reviewing the procedure to process the case, which includes forming a special three-member committee that will have 20 days to submit a report to the full assembly. According to the Electoral Tribunal, the complaints involve public speeches and appearances in which Chaves allegedly sought electoral or legislative support for his party, despite prior warnings from election authorities. These include appearances on national broadcasts, educational events and official commemorations. If the Legislative Assembly approves lifting his immunity, Chaves would temporarily lose the constitutional protection that prevents him from being prosecuted while in office. Under the Electoral Code, he could then be investigated and possibly barred from holding public office. Although it would not result in his immediate removal, a ruling against him could trigger an unprecedented institutional and political crisis in Costa Rica, as it would be the first time a sitting president has faced such proceedings. This is the second time Chaves has faced a request that could lift his immunity while in office. In September, the Legislative Assembly reviewed a similar petition from the Attorney General's Office related to an alleged case of irregular campaign financing involving funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration. That request was rejected Sept. 22 after it received 34 votes in favor, four short of the 38 required for a two-thirds majority. This allowed the president to retain his immunity. However, the new process initiated by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal differs, focusing instead on possible violations of the political neutrality mandated by the Constitution rather than on criminal offenses. The issue of political partisanship has taken on particular importance as Costa Rica enters the pre-election period, with parties and movements forming alliances ahead of the upcoming municipal contests, and later, the presidential election set for Feb. 1. Any sign of partiality or intervention by the executive branch in favor of a political group has raised concern among oversight bodies and opposition leaders, who are calling for the preservation of state neutrality in electoral matters. Because the Electoral Tribunal had previously warned Chaves to refrain from partisan statements, the new complaints suggest possible defiance of the tribunal's rulings -- heightening institutional tensions and fueling debate over the limits of presidential power.