Foreigners "Cannot Campaign" in Referendum, Says TSE
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) - elections tribunal - has clarified the role of foreigners in the referendum on the free trade agreement with the United States.

On October 7th, Costa Ricans will be asked by popular vote to decide the fate of the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) - the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the United States, Central America and the Dominican Republic - that Costa Rica is the only signatory country to have ratified

TSE Elections Programs coordinator, Hector Fernández, says that foreigners are not allowed to contribute financially to the referendum campaigns.

Fernández, says that the country's electoral code is clear on that point and it applies to all foreigners and foreign businesses and the prohibition clearly applies to the referendum in October.

However, foreigners are free to voice their opinion on the trade deal, tough the country's Constitución Politica (political constitution) prohibits non-citizens from interfering with the political affairs of the country.

To make the point clear, non-residents can voice their opinion as long as they do not take active part in any campaigning, pro or against the trade deal, organizing events and including offering transportation to voters.

Violations will be investigated, said Fernández, and the foreigner will be asked to desist and if disobeyed could face criminal charges.

However, Costa Rica is country of "rights" and "freedom of expression" and that means anyone, including foreigners have the right to express their opinion.