It has become somewhat controversial since it can significantly delay the passing of laws. The Supreme Tribunal of Elections has come to be what some regard as a fourth branch of government. It controls all aspects of the elections, and is even given power to control the security forces for a certain period surrounding election time. The country is divided into seven provinces, which are further subdivided into 81 cantons. Power at the level of governor is very weak, and there is little confidence by the public, in power at the level of municipalities.
Control is in the hands of the central government.
The PLN has won seven of the last twelve elections, but in recent times each party seems to hold the presidency for only one term. Many Costa Ricans vote according to family tradition in which a family stays loyal to a party through generations. Election time often appears to be a time where each party has a fan club, reminiscent of a soccer match. PLN fans wave banners of green and white, and PUSC loyalists wear shirts of blue and red. The ambiance is often festive, and after the contest the people retire to their homes and leave governing in the hands of professional politicians.