President-elect Laura Fernandez turns to El Salvador's controversial leader Nayib Bukele for guidance, signaling a hardline shift in tackling Costa Rica's escalating drug trade violence, including plans for a Bukele-style mega-prison.
Costa Ricans cast ballots Sunday in an election defined by soaring narco-violence, with ruling party candidate Laura Fernandez, promising a Bukele-style crackdown, favored to win. The vote signals a potential rightward shift and constitutional showdown in a nation struggling with its transformation into a major drug trafficking hub.
Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People's Party secures the presidency, vowing to extend outgoing leader Rodrigo Chaves's tough-on-crime policies as the nation grapples with escalating violence.
Laura Fernandez, a close ally of outgoing populist President Rodrigo Chaves, has been elected Costa Rica's next leader. She pledges to continue his transformative agenda, including constitutional reforms and emergency measures to combat drug violence, signaling a profound shift for the nation.
Voters head to the polls in Costa Rica, with the ruling right-wing populist party aiming to secure a decisive mandate and a legislative supermajority to tackle record violence and political gridlock.
As Costa Ricans cast their ballots this Sunday, the election is defined by unprecedented security fears, economic inequality, and widespread political disenchantment, challenging the country's long-held identity as a peaceful and stable democracy.
