Costa Rica Legislative Assembly bans posters on desks

The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly has approved a motion to prohibit deputies from displaying posters, flyers, or other graphic materials on their desks within the Legislative Plenary. The motion, proposed by the Pueblo Soberano Party (PPSO), passed with 29 votes in favor and 15 against.

Under the new rule, only the Costa Rican national flag and the flag of the legislator's respective political party may be displayed. Proponents of the measure, including deputies Mayuli Ortega, Nogui Acosta, and Marta Esquivel, argued the decision is necessary to preserve the institutional image and protect furniture. They noted that adhesive tape used for posters has damaged the leather on the desks, with repairs estimated at approximately $600 per unit.

Opposition members have denounced the move as an attempt at censorship. Edgardo Araya of the Frente Amplio described the motion as an ‘absurd’ gag on opposition deputies, while faction leader José María Villalta questioned the legality of the procedure. Villalta argued that such a restriction should require a formal reform to the Assembly's Regulations, which would necessitate at least 38 votes. Legislators from various opposition groups, including Liberación Nacional, are considering filing an injunction with the Constitutional Chamber to challenge the measure on the grounds that it limits freedom of expression.