Right-wing populist Laura Fernández has declared victory in Costa Rica’s presidential election, positioning herself to become the country’s next leader after preliminary results showed her securing a clear majority. Her win, driven by voter concerns over rising crime, signals a continuation of the tough security policies championed by outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves and marks a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape.
With votes tallied from over 80% of polling stations, Fernández garnered approximately 48.9% of the vote, comfortably exceeding the 40% threshold required to avoid an April runoff. Her closest rival, economist Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, conceded defeat after securing around 33% of the vote, pledging to lead a “constructive opposition.” The election, held on Sunday, February 2, 2026, saw Fernández’s Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) projected to gain a majority in the 57-seat National Assembly, though falling short of a supermajority.
Fernández, a 39-year-old former minister and handpicked successor of Chaves, framed her victory as the dawn of a “third republic” for Costa Rica, promising “deep and irreversible change.” In her victory speech in San Jose, she emphasized respect for the rule of law while vowing to modify or repeal laws deemed obsolete or hindering development. Her campaign focused heavily on security, with homicides reaching record highs in recent years, eroding Costa Rica’s reputation as a stable democracy in Central America.
The candidate’s platform includes completing a maximum-security mega-prison initiated by Chaves, implementing mandatory prison labour, and enforcing stricter criminal sentencing. These measures aim to combat organized crime and address public anxiety over violence, which dominated the election discourse. Fernández assured supporters that her government would remain democratic and not turn authoritarian, seeking to allay fears among opponents who worry about erosion of democratic norms.
Costa Ricans, with about 3.7 million eligible voters, participated in both presidential and legislative elections. The PPSO’s anticipated control of Congress will facilitate Fernández’s agenda, though the lack of a supermajority may require negotiation with other parties. Her victory reflects a broader trend of right-wing populism gaining ground in the region, influenced by economic pressures and security challenges.
Analysts note that Fernández’s rise is partly attributed to her alignment with Chaves’s policies, which have resonated with voters seeking firm action against crime. However, critics caution that her approach could strain Costa Rica’s institutions and human rights record. The international community will be watching closely as she prepares to take office, with implications for regional stability and trade relations.
Looking ahead, Fernández is expected to assume the presidency in May, following the formal certification of results. Her administration will face immediate tests in implementing security reforms and managing economic issues, including debt and inflation. The election outcome underscores Costa Rica’s evolving political identity, balancing its democratic traditions with populist impulses in response to contemporary crises.
