How Costa Rica Elects Its President: A Unique Two-Round System

Costa Rica's presidential election system is designed to ensure broad majority support while preventing fragmentation. Here's how it works:

The Electoral Formula

• Term: 4 years (non-renewable consecutively; can run again after one term out)
• Method: Direct popular vote, two-round (runoff) system
• First round threshold: 40% + valid votes wins outright
• Runoff trigger: If no candidate reaches 40%, top two advance to second round (4 weeks later)
• Runoff winner: Simple majority (50%+1)

Unique Features

• No re-election immediately: Presidents cannot serve consecutive terms (since 1969 reform).
• Single 6-year myth: Term is 4 years; the "6-year" reference may confuse with pre-1949 or other Latin American systems.
• Mandatory voting: Technically compulsory but unenforced; turnout ~60–70%.
• Concurrent elections: President, 57 Legislative Assembly deputies, and municipal councils elected same day.

Recent Examples

Why This System?

Adopted in 1949 Constitution (post-civil war) to:

• Ensure presidential legitimacy via majority mandate
• Encourage coalition-building before runoff
• Prevent extreme polarization (unlike pure plurality)
• Accommodate multi-party system (5–10 viable parties typical)

Costa Rica's model is often cited in comparative politics as balancing governability with inclusivity.