Costa Rica Elects Laura Fernandez in First-Round Presidential Victory, Securing Continuity
SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — Feb. 2 — Laura Fernandez Delgado, a 39-year-old political scientist and former minister, secured the presidency of Costa Rica in a decisive first-round victory on Sunday, avoiding a runoff and positioning herself to continue the political project of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. She is set to become the country's second woman to hold the office when she is inaugurated on May 8.
The candidate for the ruling Pueblo Soberano Party captured approximately 49% of valid votes, according to nearly complete results from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). Voter turnout was reported at 69%. Her main rival, Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, trailed with about 32%, while Claudia Dobles of the Ciudadana Agenda Coalition garnered 4.7%.
Fernandez, who built her career within Chaves's inner circle, framed her campaign as one of continuity. Her victory speech, reported by CR Hoy, struck a transformative tone, declaring the opening of a "Third Republic" and promising "deep and irreversible" changes to the state, alongside support for free enterprise and expanded opportunities. She pointed to recent economic gains—including strong growth, falling unemployment, and reduced public debt in 2024-2025—as a foundation, citing a PEN report that ranked Costa Rica as the fastest-growing economy among OECD members.
However, the electoral map reveals immediate governing hurdles. While Fernandez won the executive, her party fell short of its goal to secure a supermajority in the 57-seat Legislative Assembly, complicating plans for major institutional and judicial reforms championed by the administration. Meanwhile, the nation grapples with escalating security concerns, closing 2025 with 873 homicides—a historic high—driven largely by drug trafficking and organized crime.
Opposition voices, cited by outlets like Infobae, have expressed concern that Fernandez's victory, coupled with Chaves's history of clashes with other government branches, could steer the country toward a more authoritarian path. In her initial remarks, Fernandez rejected calls for a sharp political break, urging the opposition to act as a responsible watchdog while defending press freedom and calling for prudent lawmaking.
Reaction & Analysis
Mariana Soto, Political Analyst at University of Costa Rica: "The first-round win is a clear mandate for policy continuity, particularly on the economic front. However, the legislative arithmetic means her ambitious reform agenda will require negotiation. The real test will be balancing economic momentum with the urgent security crisis."
Carlos Mendiola, Small Business Owner in Heredia: "As someone who's seen business improve under the current policies, I'm relieved. Fernandez's focus on free enterprise and digital opportunities gives me hope for my children's future. Stability is what the economy needs right now."
Dr. Elena Rojas, Sociologist and Civic Activist: "This is a dangerous consolidation of power. We are watching the systematic erosion of checks and balances. Chaves spent four years attacking the judiciary, the TSE, and the press. Fernandez, from his inner circle, now promises an 'irreversible change.' The opposition must be vigilant—this isn't continuity, it's a slow-moving coup."
Roberto Vargas, Retired Teacher in San José: "I voted for her because I believe in her vision for the youth and women. But her words about a 'Third Republic' worry me. We need concrete plans to reduce violence, not just grand slogans. The homicide numbers are terrifying."