Rodrigo Chaves’ Clash with Costa Rica’s Electoral Tribunal Exposes Threats to Democratic Sovereignty

In a troubling display of executive overreach, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves has defied clear legal boundaries designed to protect electoral integrity. Despite laws barring presidential involvement in election campaigns, Chaves has aggressively targeted opposition parties and the country’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), accusing it of orchestrating a coup attempt—claims that dangerously undermine this Latin American democracy. When Does Political Advocacy Become a Threat to Democracy? Chaves, an economist aligned with right-leaning policies, has earned notoriety for his relentless criticism of judicial authorities, legislators, former presidents, and critical media outlets. However, during the lead-up to Costa Rica's February elections, his...