Costa Rica's Populist Wave Secures Presidency and Congress, But Falls Short of Sweeping Reform Mandate

By Alexander Villegas, Reuters

SAN JOSE, Feb 2 (Reuters) – Costa Rica's political landscape has been redrawn. The resounding victory of populist leader Laura Fernandez in Sunday's presidential election carried her Sovereign People's Party (PPSO) to a commanding majority in the Legislative Assembly. This marks the first time since 1990 that a single party will hold both the presidency and control of Congress, signaling a profound shift in the nation's traditionally fragmented politics.

Yet, the triumph comes with a significant caveat. The PPSO secured 31 of the 57 legislative seats, falling short of the 38-seat supermajority Fernandez had aggressively campaigned for. That threshold is crucial for her most ambitious—and controversial—agenda items, which include overhauling the judicial system, enacting constitutional changes, and granting the executive expanded powers to declare states of emergency in the fight against crime, measures critics warn could curtail civil liberties.

"The electorate delivered a clear mandate for change, but also built in a check on absolute power," said Maria Fernanda Bozmoski, Director for Central America at the Atlantic Council. "The sweeping institutional reforms that sparked intense debate during the campaign are now off the table, at least in their original form. Governance will require building consensus."

While the PPSO can pass ordinary laws, approve budgets, and make appointments without coalition partners, its path is complicated by a decimated and reconfigured opposition. The evangelical National Renovation Party (PNR), a former government ally, was wiped out entirely. The historic National Liberation Party (PLN), Fernandez's main rival, will be the primary opposition with 17 seats. They are followed by the leftist Broad Front (FA) with 7 seats, which has promised fierce resistance to the PPSO's agenda.

The remaining seats are split between the progressive Citizen Action Party, whose sole representative is former first lady and Fernandez critic Claudia Dobles, and one seat for the traditional right-wing Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC).

"The dream of a political reconfiguration hit a reality check with these numbers," observed Ronald Alfaro, a political researcher at Costa Rica's Center for Investigations and Political Studies (CIEP). "For any profound reform requiring a two-thirds vote, the government must now enter the unfamiliar terrain of negotiation. How this newly composed Congress coalesces—or fractures—will define the next four years."

In his concession speech, defeated PLN candidate Alvaro Ramos struck a conditional tone, stating his party would cooperate where interests align but "fulfill our duty to oppose" where they diverge. This dynamic contrasts sharply with the previous administration of Rodrigo Chaves, which frequently blamed legislative gridlock for political paralysis.

"The opposition itself is in flux and must redefine its strategy," added Alfaro. "With a legislature dominated by newcomers, obstructionism as usual won't be as feasible. The question is whether they will form a unified bloc or pursue individual paths."

/// USER COMMENTARY ///

Carlos Mendez, Political Science Professor, University of Costa Rica: "This is a textbook result for a healthy democracy. It gives the winning party a strong governing tool while preventing a concentration of power that could undermine institutions. The real test for Fernandez is whether she can transition from a campaign polemicist to a consensus-building president."

Ana Lucia Solis, Small Business Owner, San Jose: "I voted for Fernandez because we need action on crime and the economy, not more talk. It's frustrating that a handful of seats stand in the way of the changes we desperately need. The old guard in Congress better not stonewall her every move."

Dr. Elena Vargas, Human Rights Advocate: "The missing supermajority is a relief and a vital safeguard. The proposed states of emergency were a direct threat to constitutional freedoms. This result forces dialogue and protects against authoritarian overreach disguised as security policy. The opposition must be vigilant and coherent."

Miguel Rojas, Political Commentator & Podcast Host: "This is a disaster wrapped in a victory. The PPSO's agenda is now hamstrung by a weak, fragmented opposition that can't effectively govern but can easily snipe and delay. We're looking at four years of brutal trench warfare and legislative paralysis, exactly what voters rejected. Fernandez won the battle but may have lost the war to govern."

(Reporting by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Diane Craft. Additional analysis and commentary by Reuters.)