# Political controversies in El Salvador and Costa Rica > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/political-controversies-in-el-salvador-and-costa-rica > Updated: 2026-09-14T17:56:07.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Political controversies have emerged in El Salvador and Costa Rica involving allegations of misconduct and institutional pressure. In El Salvador, Deputy Claudia Ortiz reported that the Vamos party suspended her membership rights. Ortiz claims the move is retaliation for her criticisms regarding internal election management and her support for petitions to hold elections for party authorities. She noted that the suspension prevents her from competing for the Vamos General Secretariat. In Costa Rica, Deputy Fernando Obaldía faced allegations of sexual harassment and abuse from his secretary, leading to calls for official investigations. Subsequently, Álvaro Ramírez Bogantes, floor leader of the National Liberation Party, confirmed that political pressure was exerted during a legislative vote concerning the continuity of Magistrate Julia Varela. Ramírez stated, “Here pressures exist,” suggesting these actions were linked to efforts by President Rodrigo Chaves to increase political control over the Judiciary, though he did not validate specific claims that deputies were offered financial assistance in exchange for votes. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: National Liberation Party leader confirms political pressure in judicial vote The leader of Costa Rica's National Liberation Party confirmed that political pressure was applied during the vote to determine the continuity of Magistrate Julia Varela. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/national-liberation-party-leader-confirms-political-pressure-in-judicial-vote ### 2026-09-10: Political controversies emerge in El Salvador and Costa Rica Political figures in El Salvador and Costa Rica face scrutiny: Deputy Claudia Ortiz faces suspension from the Vamos party, while Deputy Fernando Obaldía faces allegations of sexual harassment. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/political-controversies-emerge-in-el-salvador-and-costa-rica --- Cite as: Political controversies in El Salvador and Costa Rica. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/political-controversies-in-el-salvador-and-costa-rica