Laura Fernandez declares victory in Costa Rica’s presidential election

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesFebruary 2, 2026 at 04:43 AM

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Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People’s Party has won Costa Rica's presidential election, according to preliminary results reported on February 2, 2026. With 81% of polling stations reporting, Fernandez secured 48.9% of the vote, surpassing the 40% threshold needed to avoid a runoff. Her closest competitor, Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, conceded defeat after receiving 33% of the vote. Fernandez, the handpicked successor to incumbent President Rodrigo Chaves, campaigned on continuing his security policies. In her victory speech, she promised "deep and irreversible change" and pledged to lead with the rule of law, while also stating Costa Rica was entering a new political era.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Rodrigo Chaves 50% Claudia Dobles 50% Supreme Electoral Tribunal 60% National Liberation Party 60% Sovereign People’s Party 60% Alvaro Ramos ×270% 2026 Costa Rica presidential election ×280% Costa Rica ×490% Laura Fernandez ×590%

Keywords

presidential election 100% laura fernandez 90% costa rica 80% right-wing candidate 70% political change 60% sovereign people’s party 50% rodrigo chaves 40% tough security policies 40%