Laura Fernández, candidate of Partido Pueblo Soberano, was elected president of Costa Rica this Sunday, February 1, 2026. The investigation, almost completed by Tribunal Supremo Eleitoral, confirmed the result without the need for a second round.
The 39-year-old political scientist succeeded the current president Rodrigo Chaves, of whom she was minister. The campaign highlighted Costa Ricans’ growing concern about violence linked to drug trafficking. Fernández promised strict measures to restore the country’s historical tranquility.
The election registered high participation, reflecting the population’s interest in security and economic issues. The main opponent, Álvaro Ramos, from Partido from Libertação Nacional, received approximately 33% of the votes.
Trajectory of Laura Fernández
Laura Fernández was born in Puntarenas, one of the poorest provinces in Costa Rica, in 1986. Sua rise accelerated during the government of Rodrigo Chaves.
She held strategic positions, as minister of Planejamento Nacional and Política Econômica between 2022 and 2025. Essa proximity to Chaves positioned her as the natural heir to the government project.
Context of violence in the country
Costa Rica has faced a significant increase in the homicide rate in recent years. The index grew by around 50% in six years, driven by the dispute between cartels for control of drug routes. Regiões coastal areas, including Puntarenas, recorded the largest impacts.
The country, traditionally seen as an oasis of peace in América Central, saw organized crime alter the perception of security. Eleitores prioritized candidates with firm proposals against crime. Fernández capitalized on this demand during the campaign.
Central government proposals
Fernández defended the construction of a mega-prison for highly dangerous inmates. The measure aims to isolate leaders of criminal organizations and reduce their influence on the streets. Ela also proposed declarations of states of emergency in critical areas.
Other initiatives include:
- Strengthening the training and equipment of police forces for specific operations;
- Expansion of intelligence programs to dismantle trafficking networks;
- Reinforced international cooperation with neighboring countries in the fight against drug trafficking;
- Investments in social prevention in vulnerable communities.
These actions seek to regain territorial control lost to criminal groups. The candidate emphasized the need for profound changes in the security system.
Detailed election results
With more than 88% of the votes counted, Fernández consolidated a significant advantage from the first partials. Álvaro Ramos quickly recognized defeat, congratulating the winner. Outros candidates divided the rest of the votes, without threatening the bipolar scenario.
The election simultaneously renewed the unicameral Congresso of 57 deputies. Partido Pueblo Soberano made significant gains, approaching a relative majority. Essa configuration facilitates the approval of the new government’s priority projects.
Voter turnout exceeded 70%, demonstrating high civic engagement. Observadores international organizations highlighted the transparency of the process led by Tribunal Supremo Eleitoral.
Inspired by a Salvadoran model
Fernández openly cited the president’s policies of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, as a reference. The model includes mass arrests and temporary suspension of security in gang-dominated areas. Bukele quickly congratulated the victory on social media.
The approach generated debate among analysts about the balance between security and human rights. Fernández assured that the measures will respect the Costa Rican constitutional framework. Ela promised broad dialogue to implement reforms without excesses.
International reactions
Regional leaders congratulated Fernández on the election. Presidentes of Central American countries highlighted the importance of cooperation against transnational crime. Figuras of Estados Unidos also sent messages of support for the new government.
International organizations will monitor the implementation of security policies. The victory reinforces the tendency of hard-line governments in América Latina in the face of the advance of drug trafficking. Analistas see the result as consolidation of a conservative turn in the region.
Personal profile and symbolism
Fernández will become the second woman to hold the presidency of Costa Rica. Sua origins in a poor province resonated with voters from peripheral regions. Ela emphasized during the campaign the importance of female representation in power.
The president-elect is married and a mother, aspects that have humanized her public image. Sua academic training in public policies reinforces the technical profile. Fernández takes office in May 2026, beginning a four-year term.
Economic Challenges Ahead
In addition to security, the government will face demands for sustainable growth. Costa Rica maintains positive human development indicators, but needs to attract investment. Fernández promised continuity of policies that stimulated post-pandemic recovery.
Tourism, a pillar of the economy, suffered from the perception of insecurity in some areas. Medidas effective measures against violence can boost the sector. The new administration plans fiscal balance with targeted social programs.
Laura Fernández’s victory marks a moment of transition in Costa Rican politics. The focus on security reflects society’s immediate priorities. The country is following the first steps of the new government to assess the effectiveness of the promises.
Expected legacy
Fernández spoke in a victory speech about irreversible change. Ela defended the rescue of democratic institutions and shared prosperity. The mandate begins with popular support consolidated by direct election.
Experts await details of the government’s plan in the coming months. The composition of the cabinet will indicate priority directions. Costa Rica remains a regional reference, now with young and determined leadership.
