Costa Rica Elects Conservative Leader Amid Right-Wing Surge in Latin America

Costa Rica’s recent election saw the rise of a tough-on-crime conservative leader, marking another win for the right in the region.

As the votes were counted—over 93.7% reported—it became clear that Laura Fernandez, 39, representing the right-wing Sovereign People’s Party, captured more than 48% of the votes. This exceeded the necessary 40% threshold, allowing her to avoid a runoff, according to reports. Fernandez, who was endorsed by outgoing President Rodrigo Chávez, campaigned on maintaining a hardline stance against crime.

“The people of Costa Rica have spoken, choosing to continue this transformation with the aim of rescuing and enhancing our democratic institutions. It’s all about restoring them to the sovereign people and promoting greater happiness and prosperity,” the paper indicated following the preliminary results.

She stated, “The mandate from my sovereign people is clear: these changes will be significant and cannot be reversed.”

Laura Fernández, who is married and has a young daughter, is noted for her conservative Catholic values. Her campaign highlighted urgent measures to address the escalating crime issue in Costa Rica, which recorded a staggering 905 murders in 2023, many linked to drug trafficking. The U.S. Treasury Department labeled the country as a “key transshipment point for cocaine globally” earlier this year.

Fernández has a favorable view of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, noted for his aggressive policies against gangs and organized crime. She has committed to implementing a state of emergency in areas plagued by violence and to completing a high-security prison inspired by Bukele’s mega-prison project.

“Everything we accomplished with CECOT will be mirrored in Costa Rica’s version,” Bukele remarked during a visit to the country, discussing his country’s battle against the “dictatorship of organized crime.”

Following her election, Bukele extended his congratulations via social media, wishing her success in her administration.

U.S. Congressman Carlos Jimenez also congratulated Fernández, emphasizing strong ties and trade between the nations going forward.

This election contributes to a growing pattern of conservative victories throughout Latin America, where voters seem increasingly inclined to back candidates who promise stricter crime policies and economic freedom.

In recent months, Honduras elected right-wing candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, praised by former President Donald Trump as a “true friend of freedom.” December also saw the election of populist conservative José Antonio Kast in Chile, who defeated a leftist candidate.

Additionally, Rodrigo Paz from the center-right Christian Democratic Party became Bolivia’s first conservative president in nearly two decades, following a long socialist governance period.