Costa Rica has elected Laura Fernández of the governing conservative Sovereign People’s Party as its new president in a decisive first-round victory. The 39-year-old former chief of staff secured approximately 48% of the vote with over 88% of ballots counted, comfortably exceeding the 40% threshold required to avoid a runoff election.
Fernández’s triumph reflects the electorate’s growing concerns about escalating crime rates in a nation traditionally considered one of Central America’s safest havens. Her campaign centered on strengthening the hardline security policies of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who personally selected her as his political successor.
The president-elect has committed to implementing states of emergency in regions dominated by transnational gangs and completing construction of a high-security prison modeled after El Salvador’s Cecot facility. Fernández emphasized that her security approach would remain firmly grounded in constitutional principles while addressing the drug-related violence that dominated campaign discussions.
In her victory address, Fernández promised to govern through “dialogue and national harmony” while continuing her predecessor’s policies. She simultaneously criticized opposition parties for parliamentary obstructionism. Her party secured a legislative majority with 30 of 57 seats, providing stronger congressional support than President Chaves enjoyed during his term.
Fernández is anticipated to maintain Costa Rica’s close diplomatic relationship with the United States, particularly regarding migration control and anti-narcotics cooperation. She will become the nation’s second female president when sworn in on May 8, following Laura Chinchilla’s 2010-2014 administration.
