In Costa Rica, the only organ within Electoral Power is the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, as stipulated in Article 9 and Title VIII, Chap. 3 of the Constitution, along with the Electoral Code. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal holds exclusive jurisdiction over all matters related to elections and is also responsible for maintaining the Civil Registry. The Tribunal is composed of five proprietary magistrates and four deputy magistrates. These magistrates are elected by the Supreme Court of Justice for a term of six years, with the possibility of renewal. Since the 1975 constitutional reform, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal has been recognized as the fourth branch of government, signifying its status as an independent power within the political system.