Home > 1.3.2.2.4 Combating electoral fraud > COSTA RICA - Electoral Act
 
 
 
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ARTICLE 279
 

Crime against the free will of voters


Any person who, by means of gifts, promises of gifts, violence or threats, attempts to induce or induces any person to support a candidacy, vote in a specific way or abstain from doing so shall be liable to two to twelve months’ imprisonment.


A term of two to six years’ imprisonment shall be imposed on any individuals who carry out the act indicated in the foregoing paragraph under the following aggravating circumstances:


a) These acts are committed by public officials acting in or on the occasion of the exercise of their office and offering or providing housing vouchers, grants, allowances or any other type of advantage, social assistance or gifts financed with public funds to induce any person to vote in a specific way, support a candidacy or refrain from doing so.


b) Perpetration of acts of coercion and violence, making of threats or taking of reprisals against salaried employees by their employers or their representatives to induce any person to vote in a specific way, support a candidacy or refrain from doing so.


Any person who falsely denounces or accuses any person they know to be innocent of committing or participating in the crime against the free will of voters or fakes evidence against such individuals shall be liable to two to six years’ imprisonment.