Due to the upcoming municipal elections in Costa Rica, to be held on February 2, the country’s Episcopal Conference issued a statement in which it notified all citizens to be aware of the vote they will cast. Due to this statement, a citizen filed an appeal with the court, alleging that the Episcopal Conference invoked religious motives in political propaganda, an action which is prohibited by the constitution.
However, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal denied this appeal, ruling that the statement did not infringe the rights of voters or that the statement was favorable to any specific political movement. The judge also recalled that the church has the liberty to take position on social problems within the country, as well as to exercise an earthly mission without any hindrance and that it has the right give moral judgment, even on matters related to public order and others interest.
The complete ruling can be found here.