Q COSTARICA — Less than two weeks before the national elections on February 1, 2026, Costa Rica faces a silent but decisive challenge: the sustained increase in voter abstention.
In the 2022 presidential election, nearly 40% of registered voters did not cast their ballots, one of the highest levels recorded in the country’s democratic history, according to data from the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE).
Far from being merely a political phenomenon, abstention reveals a deeper crisis linked to emotions, decision-making, and a lack of self-awareness, warns Borja Vilaseca, writer, speaker, and one of the leading international experts on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the Enneagram of personality.
“Not voting isn’t an absence of decision; it’s a decision made based on emotion, often on frustration, fear, or a disconnection from oneself and from society,” says Vilaseca.
Various national studies and surveys have shown that a significant portion of the Costa Rican population expresses disinterest, distrust, or emotional exhaustion with the political system.
For Vilaseca, these reactions don’t arise from nothing.
“When a person doesn’t know themselves, doesn’t identify their values, or doesn’t understand how their emotions influence their decisions, they end up relinquishing their personal power. Abstention is a clear expression of this internal disconnection,” he explained.
Another relevant piece of data to analyze in the context of abstention is the World Health Organization (WHO) data, which estimates that around 359 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, characterized by excessive fear, constant worry, and restlessness—factors that can hinder decision-making and the development of daily life.
Furthermore, Vilaseca asserts that decisions like voting or abstaining are not solely based on the political options available, but rather on deeply ingrained limiting beliefs, such as the idea that “my vote doesn’t change anything” or “no option represents me,” beliefs that are rarely questioned consciously.
As an admirer of Costa Rica, Vilaseca has always seen something profoundly valuable in this country: a vibrant democracy, built over time by citizens who understand the true meaning of decision-making. Democracy is not limited to the act of voting, but rather involves assuming the collective and individual responsibility of choosing the country’s course, with awareness, sound judgment, and commitment.
Personality, Fear, and Avoidance of Commitment
Using the Enneagram of Personality, the psychological model that studies patterns of human behavior, Vilaseca points out that abstention can also be related to avoidance mechanisms, fear of making mistakes, or aversion to conflict—traits that impact not only civic life, but also personal and professional life.
“Deciding not to vote can be a way to avoid responsibility. But not choosing also has consequences. In democracy and in life, what isn’t decided consciously ends up being decided by inertia,” he stated.
In this context, Vilaseca proposes rethinking voting not only as a right, but as an act of personal consistency.
“A more conscious society is made up of individuals who take responsibility for their decisions. Voting based on self-knowledge is a natural extension of living in alignment with one’s values,” he affirmed.
In this context, the call to the Costa Rican people is clear: every vote matters. It matters because it defines the future of the nation and because inaction also has consequences. Costa Rica has historically been a democratic benchmark worldwide; protecting that legacy requires active participation. Democracy is nurtured and strengthened by exercising it, especially in decisive moments for the country.
This approach takes on particular relevance in a pre-election year where more than 3.7 million people are eligible to vote and where abstention could define the country’s course.
There are 195 countries in the world, and of those 195, only 25 are full democracies. Costa Rica is part of the 6% of the world’s population that enjoys this privilege.
What should you do if you’re still unsure about voting?
The first step is to identify the root of your feelings. Honestly asking yourself if your doubt stems from anger, distrust, lack of information, or the feeling that “nothing changes” allows you to regain emotional clarity and prevent your decision from being driven by inertia.
It is also key to separate the system from personal power. Even if the political context generates disappointment, the ability to choose remains personal. Voting does not imply approving everything, but rather exercising judgment and assuming the responsibility of not completely delegating decisions to others.
Informing oneself with a balanced perspective is another fundamental element. Choosing a few reliable sources, comparing proposals, and reducing the constant noise helps to decrease anxiety and transform frustration into a more conscious decision.
Furthermore, it is advisable to connect the vote with personal values and not solely with figures or parties. Thinking about which principles one wishes to defend—such as education, the environment, equality, employment, or democracy—allows for a more coherent choice, even when no option is perfect.
Finally, understand voting as an act of personal coherence. It may not generate enthusiasm, but it does strengthen the alignment between what one thinks, feels, and does. This coherence is, in itself, a concrete way to take care of emotional well-being and exercise responsible citizenship.
“Democracy is strengthened not only by institutions, but also by conscious citizens. Political change always begins with inner change,” Vilaseca concluded.