Laura Fernández

Laura Fernández, a right-wing populist candidate from the Sovereign People's Party, has won the presidential election in Costa Rica. Her victory marks a shift to the right in Costa Rican politics and reflects growing concerns about rising violence linked to drug trafficking. Fernández campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, promising to crack down on criminal groups and extend the agenda of the current president, Rodrigo Chaves. Her win comes amid fears of an authoritarian turn in Costa Rica, a country traditionally seen as a model of liberal democracy. With a significant percentage of votes counted, Fernández surpassed the threshold needed to avoid a runoff, defeating her closest challenger, center-right economist Álvaro Ramos. Her election is significant as it reflects a broader trend of right-leaning leaders gaining power in Latin America, driven by concerns about security and economic stability.