SAN JOSE — Laura Fernandez of the ruling Sovereign People Party has secured a decisive victory in Costa Rica’s presidential election, capturing 48.3% of the vote and avoiding a runoff election. The political scientist and former government minister celebrated with supporters in the capital Sunday evening, outlining her vision for what she termed “the Third Republic”—a new chapter in the nation’s history.
With 93.8% of polling stations reporting, official data from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal confirmed Fernandez’s substantial margin over opponents Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party (33.4%) and Claudia Dobles of the Citizen Agenda Coalition (4.9%). Under Costa Rican electoral law, candidates exceeding 40% support in the first round claim outright victory.
The president-elect has already received congratulatory calls from both outgoing Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. In her victory address, Fernandez emphasized continuity with the current administration’s transformation agenda while pledging to strengthen democratic institutions.
“Costa Rica has voted for the continuity of change—a change aimed solely at rescuing and perfecting our democratic institutions and returning them to you, the sovereign people,” Fernandez declared, acknowledging both the excitement and immense responsibility of her mandate.
The 39-year-old leader, who previously served as Minister of National Planning and Minister of the Presidency under Chaves, has committed to prioritizing national dialogue while urging constructive engagement from opposition parties. Both Ramos and Dobles conceded defeat while vowing to uphold democratic principles through their legislative representatives.
Key policy priorities include addressing national security through emergency measures to reclaim criminal-controlled territories and utilizing a new prison facility currently under construction. Economically, Fernandez proposes expanded public-private partnerships for infrastructure development, streamlined bureaucracy, and enhanced foreign investment attraction.