Laura Fernandez, the right-wing candidate from the Sovereign People’s Party, has declared victory in Costa Rica’s presidential elections following preliminary results that showed her with a significant lead. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported that with votes counted from 81 percent of polling stations, she garnered 48.9 percent of the total votes. Her closest challenger, economist Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, conceded defeat with approximately 33 percent of the vote.
In her victory speech delivered on Monday, Fernandez emphasized a commitment to “deep and irreversible change” and proclaimed that Costa Rica is entering a new political chapter. She stated, “The second republic… is a thing of the past,” and called upon Costa Ricans to help build what she termed the “third republic.”
The 39-year-old Fernandez asserted her dedication to being a president who upholds the rule of law. She promised to revise or repeal any laws deemed obsolete or hindering development. Her campaign has focused heavily on security issues, a central concern among voters as the nation has seen a spike in homicides over the past year.
Fernandez pledged to fulfill a project initiated by her predecessor—constructing a maximum-security mega-prison aimed at isolating leaders of organized crime. Additionally, she proposed mandatory prison labor and stricter criminal sentencing to tackle the rising insecurity.
Although Fernandez was the clear victor, Ramos stated that he would lead a “constructive opposition,” emphasizing the importance of dissent in a democratic society. Throughout the campaign, the primary issue for voters remained security, with many expressing concerns about their safety.
In conjunction with the presidential election, Costa Ricans also cast votes for the National Assembly, where Fernandez’s party is projected to secure a majority of 30 out of 57 seats. However, this falls short of a “supermajority,” which would provide her with enhanced legislative powers.
This election marks a pivotal moment for Costa Rica, a nation often regarded as a bastion of stability in Central America, facing unprecedented challenges regarding security and governance. As Fernandez steps into her role, the eyes of the nation will be keenly watching how she navigates the expectations for reform while maintaining the country’s democratic ideals.