Civil society actors in Costa Rica operate in an increasingly complex environment, marked by institutional tensions, shifting public perceptions, and a decisive electoral moment ahead of the February 2026 elections. The upcoming national elections – where the Presidency, Vice-Presidencies, and the Legislative Assembly will be chosen – have amplified political polarization dynamics, compounded by public insecurity, pressures on the media, and socioeconomic challenges. For civil society organisations (CSOs), this results in scarce dialogue with government authorities and a limited margin of influence.
This situation is further aggravated by the sustained decline in public approval of President Rodrigo Chaves’ government, whose rating has dropped significantly. At the same time, concern about insecurity and crime continues to rise and has become the country’s main public worry, deepening an atmosphere of distrust and social tension.
On the economic front, Costa Rica has been reclassified as a high-income country, which has led to reduction of international development funding. This threatens the financial sustainability of many grassroots organisations working on human rights, the environment, gender equality, or rural territories. Despite the high-income status, deep inequalities still persist, particularly affecting Indigenous communities, Afro-descendant populations, and rural women, making equal access to opportunities more difficult. In the 2024 Bertelsmann Stiftung (BTI) report, Costa Rica shows a worrying decline in key indicators related to equality and inclusion. The report highlights a deterioration in the country’s performance on socioeconomic barriers over recent years, as well as persistent gaps reflected in its gender inequality score. These findings underscore that, despite the country’s democratic strengths, significant structural obstacles remain for achieving equitable participation and equal access to opportunities for all population groups.
Despite these challenges, Costa Rican civil society continues to demonstrate resilience. Organisations remain central actors in defending fundamental freedoms, promoting transparency, influencing public policy, and protecting spaces for civic participation. In an electoral cycle as critical as 2026, strengthening their organisational capacity, ensuring sustainable financing, and consolidating their public legitimacy are key elements to guarantee that they can operate effectively and safeguard democratic participation.
Network Member:
Integra Costa Rica
