Conservative candidate Laura Fernandez won Costa Rica’s presidential election on Sunday, securing an outright first-round victory and extending the tough-on-crime agenda of the outgoing government.
With more than 88 percent of votes counted, Fernandez captured over 48 percent of the vote, surpassing the 40 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff.
Centrist candidate Alvaro Ramos conceded defeat after early results showed a wide margin. Fernandez is scheduled to be sworn in on May 8, BBC reports.
Fernandez ran as the candidate of the governing Sovereign People’s Party and was publicly backed by President Rodrigo Chaves, who handpicked her as his successor. Costa Rica’s constitution bars presidents from serving consecutive terms, preventing Chaves from seeking reelection.
Crime and public security dominated the campaign, with voters citing a rise in drug-related violence in recent years. Costa Rica, long considered one of Central America’s safest and most stable democracies, has seen increased activity by transnational criminal organizations operating across the region.
In her victory speech, the 39-year-old said she would continue the policies introduced under Chaves, for whom she previously served as chief of staff. Fernandez also suggested she may appoint Chaves to a cabinet position.
On the campaign trail, Fernandez said she would pursue a tougher security strategy modeled in part on policies used by El Salvador President Nayib Bukele. Bukele’s crackdown on gangs has led to a historic drop in homicides.
Fernandez said she plans to declare states of emergency in areas where criminal groups hold territory and complete construction of a high-security prison similar to El Salvador’s CECOT facility. She has also said she would be willing to temporarily suspend certain civil liberties if organized crime expands further.
Fernandez said her government would be one of “dialogue and national harmony, respectful and firmly based in the rule of law.” She also accused opposition lawmakers of “obstruction and sabotage,” referencing legislative resistance faced by Chaves while in office.
Her party secured 30 of the 57 seats in the national assembly, giving Fernandez a working majority and more legislative support than her predecessor.
With more than 88 percent of votes counted, Fernandez captured over 48 percent of the vote, surpassing the 40 percent threshold required to avoid a runoff.
Centrist candidate Alvaro Ramos conceded defeat after early results showed a wide margin. Fernandez is scheduled to be sworn in on May 8, BBC reports.
Fernandez ran as the candidate of the governing Sovereign People’s Party and was publicly backed by President Rodrigo Chaves, who handpicked her as his successor. Costa Rica’s constitution bars presidents from serving consecutive terms, preventing Chaves from seeking reelection.
Crime and public security dominated the campaign, with voters citing a rise in drug-related violence in recent years. Costa Rica, long considered one of Central America’s safest and most stable democracies, has seen increased activity by transnational criminal organizations operating across the region.
In her victory speech, the 39-year-old said she would continue the policies introduced under Chaves, for whom she previously served as chief of staff. Fernandez also suggested she may appoint Chaves to a cabinet position.
On the campaign trail, Fernandez said she would pursue a tougher security strategy modeled in part on policies used by El Salvador President Nayib Bukele. Bukele’s crackdown on gangs has led to a historic drop in homicides.
Fernandez said she plans to declare states of emergency in areas where criminal groups hold territory and complete construction of a high-security prison similar to El Salvador’s CECOT facility. She has also said she would be willing to temporarily suspend certain civil liberties if organized crime expands further.
Fernandez said her government would be one of “dialogue and national harmony, respectful and firmly based in the rule of law.” She also accused opposition lawmakers of “obstruction and sabotage,” referencing legislative resistance faced by Chaves while in office.
Her party secured 30 of the 57 seats in the national assembly, giving Fernandez a working majority and more legislative support than her predecessor.
