Costa Rica Votes Amid Security Crisis, Populist Party Seeks to Consolidate Power

SAN JOSE – Costa Ricans cast their ballots on Sunday in a pivotal election that could reshape the nation's political landscape. The vote is widely seen as a referendum on the tough-on-crime, anti-establishment policies of President Rodrigo Chaves, whose protégé leads the race to succeed him amid soaring homicide rates and deep public frustration with traditional parties.

Laura Fernández, the former chief of staff and anointed successor of President Chaves, holds a commanding lead in final polls with just over 40% support. This puts her within reach of an outright first-round victory, avoiding an April runoff. Fernández has campaigned on a promise of unwavering continuity, pledging to double down on Chaves's security crackdown and his confrontational stance against the political elite.

Trailing far behind in a fragmented field of 20 candidates are centrist economist Álvaro Ramos of the long-dominant National Liberation Party (PLN) and architect Claudia Dobles, a former first lady leading a progressive coalition. Both are polling in single digits but remain potential contenders for a second round should Fernández fall short of the required threshold.

Beyond the presidency, the ruling Social Democratic Progress Party is pushing for a decisive legislative victory. Fernández has explicitly asked voters for 40 seats in the 57-member Legislative Assembly—a supermajority that would empower her government to pursue constitutional reforms. The current administration, holding only eight seats, has consistently blamed a hostile congress for stalling its agenda.

The shadow of Central America's security crisis looms large over the election. Costa Rica, long an oasis of stability in the region, has seen drug-related violence and homicides reach historic highs under Chaves. His government has pointed to the draconian measures of neighboring El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele as a potential model, a comparison that resonates with some voters but alarms others concerned about democratic erosion.

At polling stations nationwide, the atmosphere was charged. In Esparza, Fernández's hometown, her party's cyan flags dominated the plaza. "We need an emergency measure to stop the crime," said Ricardo Mora, 59, a lifelong PLN supporter who switched his allegiance. "A strong majority in congress is the only way. After the emergency passes, we can balance power again."

However, significant uncertainty remains, with nearly a quarter of the 3.7 million electorate reportedly undecided. Young voters, in particular, represent a critical bloc. "I'm terrified we are sleepwalking into losing our democracy," said Gabriela Segura, a 25-year-old business administrator voting in San José. "This isn't just about crime. It's about whether our institutions survive."

Despite the surge in violence and ongoing corruption probes involving his administration, Chaves exits office with a robust 58% approval rating, according to a University of Costa Rica poll. While barred from immediate re-election, his influence is set to endure, with Fernández vowing to grant him a key role in her government.

Voices from the Polls:

• Carlos Méndez, Political Science Professor (San José): "This election is a stress test for Costa Rican democracy. The push for a supermajority is about more than efficiency; it's about rewriting the rules of the game with minimal checks and balances."
• Ana Rivera, Small Business Owner (Puntarenas): "Enough with the talk and the scandals. We need action. If giving one party full power is what it takes to let our kids play outside safely again, then so be it. The old parties had decades and failed us." [More emotional/pointed]
• David Chen, Environmental Policy Analyst (Heredia): "The singular focus on security and anti-corruption rhetoric has overshadowed every other critical issue—the economy, climate resilience, public health. The next government will inherit a country with deep, systemic challenges that require nuanced solutions, not just a strongman playbook."
• Elena Vargas, Retired Teacher (Cartago): "I remember the civil war. I remember building this democracy. Today, I feel a profound sadness seeing how quickly people are willing to trade hard-won freedoms for promises of order. Fear is a powerful motivator, but a dangerous foundation for a government."

Polls closed at 6 p.m. local time, with preliminary results expected late Sunday.

(Reporting by Alexander Villegas and Alvaro Murillo; Edited for context and analysis.)