Congress on Tuesday voted to allow President Rodrigo Chaves Robles to retain his constitutional immunity from prosecution in a corruption-related case, preventing criminal charges from moving forward while he remains in office.

Lawmakers voted 35-21 against lifting the president’s immunity. Under Costa Rican law, at least 38 of the 57 members of Congress must vote in favor of removing immunity for the measure to pass.

The 21 lawmakers who voted to maintain Chaves’ immunity included eight from his ruling Social Democratic Progressive Party, six from the New Republic Party, five from the Social Christian Unity Party, one from the National Liberation Party and one independent legislator.

Congress acted after reviewing a request from Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, known as the TSE, which seeks to pursue charges of political belligerence against the president.

Political belligerence refers to prohibited partisan or hostile political conduct by public officials. In this case, the TSE alleges that Chaves “illegitimately used” his office to favor a political agenda. The tribunal has reviewed about 15 complaints accusing him of such conduct.

Costa Rica’s Constitution grants sitting presidents absolute criminal immunity for acts committed while in office. The TSE has asked lawmakers to revoke that protection so the case can proceed.

Despite the vote, the TSE will continue investigating the allegations. However, it cannot file a formal indictment until Chaves’ term ends on May 8, 2026.

In November, Chaves appeared before Congress in connection with the same case to defend himself against efforts to lift his immunity. After delivering his remarks, he left the chamber without allowing lawmakers to question him.

Chaves is the first president in Costa Rican history to face two separate congressional proceedings seeking to strip him of immunity. In September, lawmakers also voted to keep his immunity intact.

That earlier case involved allegations of concussion, a white-collar crime in Costa Rica that occurs when a public official unlawfully demands or accepts money, services or valuables while performing official duties.

In related developments, U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, chairman of the House subcommittee overseeing foreign assistance to support democracy and U.S. allies, recently said he was deeply alarmed by developments in Costa Rica as lawmakers considered the request to lift Chaves’ immunity.

Last week, Chaves traveled to El Salvador for an official visit with President Nayib Bukele. The trip focused on regional security, bilateral trade and ongoing cooperation between the two countries. Chaves also toured El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center.

More recently, Chaves became the first Costa Rican citizen to receive approval for the U.S. Global Entry trusted traveler program.

The TSE is an independent public institution that oversees all presidential elections and national referendums in Costa Rica.

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