Laura Fernández Declares Victory in Costa Rica’s Presidential Election
Right-wing populist wins outright with strong first-round showing, signaling a major shift in national politics
Costa Rica’s 2026 presidential election has delivered a clear winner: Laura Fernández Delgado, the 39-year-old conservative candidate from the ruling Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO), has claimed victory with more than 40 % of the vote in Sunday’s election, avoiding a runoff and becoming Costa Rica’s next president.�
english.news.cn +1
Preliminary and partial results released by Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) showed Fernández securing almost 48–49 %, well above the 40 % threshold needed to win the presidency in the first round of voting, with her main rival, centrist economist Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party (PLN), trailing with roughly 33 % of the vote.�
Reuters +1
A First-Round Victory in Historic Context
Costa Rican electoral law stipulates that a presidential candidate must receive at least 40 % of valid votes to be elected without a runoff election scheduled for April 5. Fernández surpassed that mark as votes continued to be counted, giving her an outright win without a second round.�
Reuters
With high turnout among the country’s 3.7 million registered voters, Fernández’s victory reflects both her personal appeal and broader public support for her platform, especially on issues where many voters feel the government has fallen short.�
english.news.cn
Her win also comes as the PPSO is expected to expand its representation in the 57-seat Legislative Assembly, climbing toward a majority, though short of a supermajority that would allow it to pursue constitutional changes without broad opposition support.�
NST Online
Who Is Laura Fernández?
Laura Virginia Fernández Delgado is a political scientist and longtime public servant. She previously served as minister of national planning and economic policy (2022–2025) and minister of the Presidency (2024–2025) in the administration of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves Robles.�
Wikipedia
Born on July 4, 1986, in Puntarenas, Fernández holds a degree in public politics and democratic governability and positioned herself as the continuity candidate for Chaves’s policies. Her campaign emphasized security, institutional reform, and economic growth, tapping into widespread voter concern over rising crime and public safety.�
english.news.cn
She is poised to become the second woman elected president in Costa Rica’s history, following Laura Chinchilla (2010–2014).�
amcostarica.com
Campaign Themes: Crime, Security & “Third Republic”
Crime and security dominated the 2026 election campaign. Costa Rica, historically one of Latin America’s most peaceful democracies, has seen a significant rise in violence and drug-related crime in recent years — a trend that Fernández and other conservative candidates made central to their platforms.�
Malay Mail
In her victory speech, Fernández framed her win as the start of a “Third Republic,” calling for deep changes and continuity of policies aimed at combating crime, strengthening institutions, and boosting economic activity. She thanked President Chaves for his support and indicated she would involve him in her new administration, even though constitutional rules bar him from seeking immediate reelection.�
english.news.cn
Reaction from Rivals and International Leaders
Álvaro Ramos, Fernández’s closest competitor, conceded defeat and vowed to remain a force in Costa Rican politics, focusing on democratic oversight and constructive opposition in the Legislative Assembly.�
Reuters
International leaders have also responded. For instance, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar congratulated Fernández on her victory and underscored the longstanding relationship between Costa Rica and Israel, highlighting expectations for enhanced cooperation.�
JNS.org
Similarly, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele — whose hardline security policies have influenced Fernández’s rhetoric — reportedly congratulated her on social media, reinforcing regional connections among right-wing leaders.�
Reddit
What Her Presidency Could Mean
Fernández’s victory signals a shift to the right in Costa Rican politics — part of a broader regional trend where conservative and populist figures have gained ground amid public frustration over crime, corruption, and governance challenges.�
Malay Mail
Her policy agenda includes:
Tougher measures against crime and organized gangs
Support for strong security infrastructure, including completion of a new high-security prison
Public–private partnerships to stimulate infrastructure investment
Institutional reforms and bureaucratic streamlining
While Fernández has pledged to uphold Costa Rica’s democratic norms, critics and political analysts caution against potential overreach or erosion of civil liberties, especially if security policies become increasingly authoritarian.�
Malay Mail
Looking Ahead: From Election Night to Inauguration
Costa Ricans elected Fernández in a crucial moment for the country’s future, choosing leadership that reflects growing public concern about safety and governance. Her presidency will officially begin on May 8, 2026, when she is sworn in for a four-year term that runs through May 8, 2030.�
amcostarica.com
The expanded majority for her party in the legislature could facilitate her policy initiatives, though meaningful opposition within the Assembly remains to ensure democratic checks and balances.
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