Laura Fernández Wins Costa Rica's Presidency in First Round Amidst Crime Concerns
Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People's Party has secured Costa Rica's presidential election in a first-round victory. Her campaign notably focused on addressing rising crime rates and violence linked to drug trafficking. Preliminary results from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal indicated Fernández surpassed the 40% threshold required to avoid a runoff, with her closest competitor, Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, conceding the election.
Election Results
With 96.8% of polling places tallied, Laura Fernández received 48.3% of the vote.
"With 96.8% of polling places tallied, Laura Fernández received 48.3% of the vote."
Economist Álvaro Ramos secured 33.4%. Ramos conceded on Sunday night, stating his intention to lead a "constructive opposition." The 40% threshold was necessary for a first-round win. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) reported these preliminary figures, with a manual vote count scheduled to begin on Tuesday for formal declaration. Approximately 3.7 million Costa Ricans were eligible to vote. Out of twenty presidential candidates, only Fernández and Ramos achieved over 5% of the vote.
Voters also cast ballots for the 57-seat National Assembly. The outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves' party was projected to gain seats, though it remained uncertain if they would achieve a supermajority required to appoint Supreme Court magistrates.
Background and Transition
Laura Fernández, 39, previously served in outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves' administration, first as minister of national planning and economic policy, and later as minister of the presidency (chief of staff). She was considered the frontrunner leading up to the election.
Fernández has thanked President Chaves and pledged to preserve his legacy, while also committing to upholding Costa Rica’s democratic traditions amidst some concerns about constitutional amendments.
Key Issues and Campaign Platform
Rising Crime and Drug Trafficking
Crime rates emerged as a significant concern during the election campaign. Costa Rica, historically known for its stability and the absence of a standing army, recorded an all-time high of 905 homicides in 2023. The murder rate increased by 50% in the last six years, reaching 17 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Government data links much of this violence to drug trafficking, with the U.S. Treasury identifying Costa Rica as a "key global cocaine transshipment point" and a hub for Mexican and Colombian cartels. This drug trade has contributed to increased shootouts between rival gangs, particularly in high-density informal settlements in cities like San José.
"Fernández's campaign included pledges to tackle this rising violence. She has cited Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, known for his stringent crime-fighting measures, as an inspiration."
Fernández's campaign included pledges to tackle this rising violence. She has cited Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, known for his stringent crime-fighting measures, as an inspiration. Her commitments include completing a maximum-security prison modeled after El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, increasing prison sentences, and implementing a state of emergency in high-crime areas.
During the campaign, some voters attributed the failure to reduce crime to the Chaves presidency, while others supported the continuation of his approach, viewing the increased violence as a result of authorities pursuing crime leaders. Outgoing President Chaves attributed rising violence during his term to what he described as a lenient judiciary.
Other Concerns
Other concerns for Costa Ricans included a perceived decline in the quality of life and a complex political landscape with numerous candidates.
Economic Landscape
Reports from the State of the Nation Program (PEN) indicated a projected economic rebound for Costa Rica in 2024 and early 2025. The country's 2021 entry into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has coincided with an improved fiscal situation, reduced unemployment, declining debt, and an increasing share of tech exports.
However, political analysts note that this economic growth has largely been concentrated in "free trade zones," which benefit from tax incentives and customs exemptions. These zones account for approximately 12% of employment and 15% of production, while the domestic market, where most of the population operates, has shown limited growth. The OECD has also noted weak innovation outcomes outside these zones. Some political scientists suggest a link between the security crisis and a decline in social services, including health, education, and public safety.
Political Landscape and Challenges
Fernández's victory aligns with a broader trend in Latin America where conservative parties have gained power, often campaigning on anti-corruption and anti-crime platforms.
Costa Rica has also experienced increasing political apathy among its citizens. Historically, nearly all citizens were affiliated with a political party, but today less than a fifth identify with one. This trend is reflected in declining voter participation, with the 2022 elections seeing the lowest turnout in recent history, where two out of five eligible voters abstained. Political scientists suggest that Costa Rica's social compact, developed over more than a century, is at risk, with traditional national identity aspects, such as environmentalism, facing proposals to lift a two-decade-old ban on fossil fuel exploration and exploit natural resources.
International Response and Future Goals
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández, expressing confidence that Costa Rica would continue to advance shared priorities under her leadership. These priorities include combating narco-trafficking, addressing illegal immigration to the United States, promoting cybersecurity, ensuring secure telecommunications, and strengthening economic ties. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele also extended congratulations.
"Fernández has stated her primary goal as president is to strengthen Costa Rica's development, enabling the nation to better address global challenges and achieve solid economic growth."
Fernández has stated her primary goal as president is to strengthen Costa Rica's development, enabling the nation to better address global challenges and achieve solid economic growth. She called for political unity, emphasizing work "only in favor of the Costa Rican flag."