Costa Rica has elected Laura Fernández, a conservative populist, as its new president, according to early voting results. This marks another right-wing leader taking office in Latin America.
With 96.8% of voting stations reported by the Supreme Electoral Court, Fernández, representing the Sovereign People’s Party, garnered 48.3% of the votes. Her nearest competitor, Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, received 33.4%. Ramos conceded on election night, and Fernández, at 39 years old, is set to begin her four-year term in May.
Fernández, who previously served as a cabinet minister, will take over from outgoing President Rodrigo Chávez, who cannot run for re-election due to constitutional restrictions. She has pledged to continue Chávez’s populist policies that have changed the political landscape in Costa Rica, particularly in opposing traditional political establishments and tackling crime.
The campaign heavily revolved around issues of crime, which has spiked in recent years, seeing a 50% increase in the murder rate over the last six years. Fernández has committed to a stringent security strategy, involving enhanced collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and more severe measures against organized crime. She has even proposed a controversial idea inspired by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele to build a special prison for gang leaders.
“My hands will not tremble as I make the decisions necessary to restore peace to Costa Rican families,” Fernández proclaimed during her campaign.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed congratulations to Fernández, expressing confidence in her leadership and highlighting shared priorities like combating drug trafficking and strengthening economic ties.
Responding to her election, Fernández remarked, “I hope that we can immediately take down the flags of any political party and start supporting only the Costa Rican flag.” She also noted, “I don’t think Costa Ricans have any expectations from us.”
