Laura Fernandez

Laura Fernandez, a right-wing political scientist, has won Costa Rica's presidential election held on February 2, 2026. She is a protégé and former chief of staff of current President Rodrigo Chaves. Fernandez's victory comes after a campaign focused on cracking down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade. Her closest rival, centre-right economist Alvaro Ramos, conceded defeat after early results showed Fernandez with a commanding lead, exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a run-off. Fernandez's win signifies a continuation of the ruling party's mandate and a potential shift towards a more hardline approach to addressing the country's security challenges. Her election is significant due to Costa Rica's struggle with drug-fueled violence and the public's desire for decisive action.