A group of 59 young candidates, from 37 political parties, were able to agree on an inter-party ethical pact that will govern their actions during the municipal elections on February 4, 2024.
This document was prepared during a 36-hour workshop, held from November 3 to 5 in Sitio Mata, a rural tourism community in Turrialba. During this meeting, the participants, from 32 cantons, agreed on commitments focused on ethics and integrity in the use of politics.
It is called the Sitio Mata Interparty Ethical Pact. Mauricio Artiñano, spokesman for the initiative, explained that the document was prepared by 59 candidates, but the idea is that it will be signed by political parties and candidates for the 2024 elections.
For these elections, 77 national, provincial and cantonal parties submitted registrations for nearly 40,000 candidates.
In the pact, which consists of 25 commitments, the group seeks to protect and promote the functioning of democratic institutions. They also agreed to strictly follow the law and the provisions of the Supreme Election Tribunal, as well as giving priority to civic exercise and respect for the democratic process.
The participants committed to promote the participation of citizens in voting as a symbol of the strength of the institution. Likewise, they will strive to conduct an election campaign free of personal and partisan attacks, prioritizing respectful proposals and debates. They recognize that mutual respect is essential to the use of politics.
They also claim commitment to the widespread dissemination of government plans in social networks, media and personal spaces. Likewise, ensuring transparent and responsible use of artificial intelligence tools; guaranteeing respect and non-discrimination for all people and groups, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, origin, religion, socioeconomic situation, sexual orientation, condition or other characteristics.
In addition, reject discrimination and hate speech, as well as any form of political violence.
Those who agreed to the so-called Sitio Mata Interparty Ethical Pact from the cantonal, provincial and national parties known as National Liberation (PLN), Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) and Here Costa Rica Manda (ACRM); as explained by the national spokesperson for the initiative, Mauricio Artiñano.
The project is led by the Costa Rica Íntegra civic association (CRI), the Costa Rican chapter of Transparency International, an organization that promotes ethics and transparency in the use of politics.
Artiñano added that the Interparty Ethical Pact is a replica of the initiatives carried out in Panama, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay and Argentina, with the difference that in the Costa Rican version it is carried out by young people.
