[1] If the signatures are gathered in time, the TSE will establish a date for the referendum that cannot coincide with a presidential election.
In order for the referendum to be binding it has to have at least 30% of voters participation in common laws and 40% in constitutional reforms and international treaties.
Besides, bills regarding taxes, pensions, administrative matters and budgets can't be subject of referendums according to the law,[1] nor can be any legislation regarding human rights as established by a Constitutional Court's ruling.
Promoted by CAFTA opponent José Miguel Corrales Bolaños as a strategy to take the discussion out of the Legislative Assembly where pro-CAFTA parties had a majority, the Referendum split public opinion and polarized voters, with the main political parties taking positions in favor or against.
However the Citizens' Action Party,[8] the Ombudsman Office[9] and the LGBT-organization Diversity Movement[10] appealed the decision presenting an amparo in the Constitutional Court, or Fourth Chamber.
[14][15] Frustrated by it slow advance, in 2016 animal rights activists promoted the submitting of the bill to referendum.
[22] The Chamber of Fuel Enterprises presented an appeal into the Constitutional Court against the referendum arguing it will increase oil prices,[23][24] however it was rejected in 2018.
[25] The National Energetic Resources Advantage Act promoted by Costa Rica Institute of Technology's teacher Carlos Roldán and seeks to finish the ban on oil exploration and exploitation the country has.