Costa Rica 2026 Presidential Election Report

Rex Ballard
5 hours ago
4 min read

Laura Fernández Delgado Wins

On February 1, 2026, Costa Rica held its general elections, resulting in a decisive first-round victory for Laura Fernández Delgado of the Sovereign People's Party (Partido Pueblo Soberano, PPSO). Fernández secured approximately 48-50% of the vote, surpassing the 40% threshold required to avoid a runoff, marking a significant win amid high voter turnout of around 69%—an increase from previous elections. Her closest rival, Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, received about 33.4%, and conceded early. The PPSO also achieved a congressional majority, capturing 31 out of 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly—the first such unified control since 1990. This outcome reflects a rightward shift in Latin America, driven by public concerns over surging crime and drug-related violence. Fernández, at 39, becomes the country's second female president and one of its youngest leaders in decades. She is set to be sworn in on May 8, 2026.

Costa Rica elects Laura Fernandez president in first round - UPI.com

Detailed Report on the Winner's Party, Platform, and Popular Support

The Sovereign People's Party (PPSO)

Founded in 2022 as a conservative populist vehicle, the PPSO emerged from the political momentum of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who selected Fernández as his successor. The party positions itself as a break from traditional elites, emphasizing anti-corruption, economic liberalization, and strong moral values rooted in Catholicism. Under Chaves' influence, it has pushed for reforms in governance, including judicial changes to reduce impunity and term limits on judges. The PPSO's rapid rise culminated in this election's commanding victory, though it fell short of a legislative supermajority.

Platform

Fernández's platform, branded as "continuity" from Chaves' agenda, focuses on aggressive security reforms, economic stability, and social conservatism. Key elements include:

Security and Crime: Inspired by El Salvador's Nayib Bukele, she pledges states of emergency in gang-infested areas, construction of a mega-prison like CECOT, and enhanced border controls.
Social Issues: Openly Catholic, Fernández advocates for moral leadership, tougher abortion penalties (doubling sentences to six years), and family values.
Economy and Governance: Promises fiscal consolidation, anti-corruption measures, and deeper international ties, including with the U.S. for trade and security. She plans to appoint Chaves as her chief of staff, ensuring policy continuity.
Foreign Policy: Emphasis on alliances with the U.S., El Salvador, and organizations like the OAS for prosperity and anti-drug efforts.

Level of Popular Support

Fernández's win reflects strong popular backing, with polls consistently showing her as the frontrunner amid crime fears. Her 48-50% vote share indicates broad appeal, particularly among voters prioritizing security, with turnout signaling high engagement. However, critics raise concerns over potential authoritarian tendencies, given her admiration for Bukele's model. International congratulations from figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado underscore her regional standing.

Most Serious Issues Facing Costa Rica

Costa Rica confronts multifaceted challenges, with drug trafficking emerging as the most pressing, exacerbating crime, economic vulnerabilities, and social disruptions.

Drug Trafficking and Rising Crime

Once a peaceful oasis, Costa Rica has become a key cocaine transshipment hub for Mexican and Colombian cartels, with ports like Moín facilitating illicit flows to the U.S. and Europe. Homicides have surged 50% since 2022, reaching record highs of nearly 900 annually, with most linked to gang turf wars and drug trade. This violence, concentrated in urban slums and coastal areas, has infiltrated state institutions, fostering corruption and a domestic drug market.

Collateral Damage on Economy and Way of Life

Economic Impact: Drug proceeds fuel money laundering in real estate and tourism, distorting the economy. While GDP growth is projected at 3.6-4.5% for 2026, vulnerabilities include high public debt (below 60% but rigid), inequality (20-25% poverty rate), and youth unemployment (>20%). The informal sector and skills mismatches hinder productivity.
Declines in Tourism: Tourism, contributing 6-8% of GDP and employing hundreds of thousands, faces threats from violence, potentially eroding Costa Rica's "pura vida" image. Visitor numbers reached 2.9 million in 2025, but rising crime could deter investments and tourists.
Way of Life: Increased inequality, corruption, and violence erode social cohesion, affecting urban-rural divides and public trust. An aging population strains healthcare, while climate risks compound vulnerabilities.

Other issues include infrastructure deficits, political polarization, and environmental pressures from climate change and debates over mining.

How the New President Intends to Address These Issues

Fernández's strategy centers on a hardline, Bukele-inspired approach to combat drug trafficking and crime, while promoting economic and international reforms.

Security Measures: Declare states of emergency in high-crime zones, build a CECOT-style mega-prison, and deploy cargo scanners at ports, airports, and borders to disrupt trafficking routes. Target clandestine airstrips, boat sites, and chemical precursors for synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
International Cooperation: Deepen ties with the U.S. (DEA, FBI), El Salvador (Bukele's guidance), Interpol, and Europol for intelligence, joint operations, and anti-narcotics aid—building on over $46 million in recent U.S. support.
Broader Reforms: Judicial overhaul for stricter penalties, anti-corruption drives, and economic policies to address inequality and boost tourism through stability. Critics warn of civil liberty risks, but Fernández emphasizes upholding democracy. Implementation begins post-inauguration, with immediate pressure to curb violence affecting tourism and daily life.

Support from the Trump Administration

The Trump administration has expressed strong and enthusiastic support for Laura Fernández's victory in Costa Rica's February 1, 2026, presidential election. This backing aligns with the administration's broader foreign policy priorities in Latin America, emphasizing anti-narcotics efforts, border security, and alliances with right-wing populist leaders. Key indicators include official statements from high-level officials, shared policy goals, and reported campaign involvement, positioning the U.S. as a key partner in Fernández's agenda to combat drug trafficking and organized crime.

Sources:

Fox News Post (ID: 2018690933156724749) - @FoxNews: Post | Article - Election win and platform.
OAS Post (ID: 2018319580343472639) - @SG_OEA_OAS: Post - Congratulations on democratic process.
Marco Rubio Post (ID: 2018419764008280397) - @SecRubio: Post - U.S. congratulations on shared goals.
Lila Rose Post (ID: 2018424229771849912) - @LilaGraceRose: Post - Abortion stance.
Eric Daugherty Post (ID: 2018311833405293048) - @EricLDaugh: Post - Right-wing win and Bukele influence.
Sachin Jose Post (ID: 2018197727474078161) - @Sachinettiyil: Post - Catholic faith.