Right-wing candidate Laura Fernández wins Costa Rica presidential election

International Desk, PNN

In Costa Rica’s presidential election, right-wing candidate Laura Fernández has declared victory. After leading by a large margin in preliminary results, her main rival conceded, allowing her to declare herself the winner on Monday morning.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported that after counting 81% of the votes, Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party secured 48.9% of the votes. Her nearest competitor, economist Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, received about 33%.

In her victory speech, 39-year-old Fernández said Costa Rica is entering a “new political era.” She promised “deep and irreversible change” and declared the end of the country’s second republic that began after the 1948 civil war.

Fernández pledged to establish a “third republic” and emphasized strict rule of law, stating that outdated or inefficient laws hindering development would be amended or repealed.

Ramos acknowledged defeat and pledged that his party would play a “constructive opposition” role, warning that no wrongdoing by the ruling party would be tolerated.

Fernández needed at least 40% of votes to win outright and surpassed that threshold, avoiding a possible runoff. Known as a close ally of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, she promised continuity in strict security policies. She also pledged to complete the mega-prison project started during Chaves’ term, aimed at isolating top organized crime leaders. She expressed support for compulsory prison labor and strict criminal penalties.

Security was a key election issue. In 2023, Costa Rica experienced a record number of murders, raising voter concern. While Fernández’s tough stance worries some opponents regarding democracy, she assured that her government would not take authoritarian paths.

On the same day, elections for Costa Rica’s 57-member National Assembly were held. Preliminary forecasts suggest Fernández’s party may win about 30 seats, a significant increase, though not enough for a supermajority to amend the constitution independently.