Costa Rican Deputy requests TSE probe into alleged vote-buying offer

Costa Rican Deputy Gonzalo Ramírez Zamora has formally requested that the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) launch a preliminary investigation into allegations of vote buying. The request follows statements made by legislator Abril Gordienko in the Legislative Plenary, where she claimed that a Christian pastor offered her 42,000 votes in exchange for 420 million colones during the previous electoral campaign.

Ramírez argues that the magnitude of the accusation requires institutional clarification to protect the integrity of the democratic process. He has asked the TSE to review audiovisual records of Gordienko’s statements and to require her to provide specific details regarding the identity of the individual involved, the circumstances of the offer, and any available witnesses or documentation.

Gordienko previously explained that she did not file a formal complaint because she rejected the proposal, lacked evidence, and noted that neither party held public office at the time. However, Ramírez maintains that if proven, the actions could constitute a crime against the free determination of voters under Article 279 of the Electoral Code.