Costa Rica’s political system is organized as a democratic Republic.
There are three basic branches: an Executive Branch, a Legislative Branch (which is unicameral) and a Judicial Branch. A fourth entity (almost a branch by itself), denominated the Supreme Elections Tribunal, is in charge of all matters having to see with the electoral procedures in the country.
The Executive Branch is formed by the President (whom is both the Chief of State and the Head of Government), the two Vicepresidents and the Ministers, which are appointed by the President.
The Legislative Branch is composed of a Congress (one sole chamber) which is formed by fifty seven Congressmen (named “Diputados” in Spanish). Each of the Provinces has a number of seats proportional to its population.
The Judicial Branch is ruled by a Supreme Court, which directs the Court system of the country, and which is composed of twenty two justices whom are elected by the Congress for eight-year terms.
National elections are held every four years to select a President and two Vicepresidents, the fifty seven members of the Congress and the members of each of the Municipal Councils. The next national election is to be held on February 5, 2006. On the year after such elections, an election is held to elect the Mayor of each county.