By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With the presidential election just over two weeks away, a new report highlights a troubling paradox for the ruling party’s candidate. Laura Fernández of the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) is by far the most discussed political figure on social media, yet this high visibility comes at a steep price: a torrent of negative commentary, criticism, and ridicule.
The latest analysis, report #32 from the Digital Communication Observatory at Universidad Latina, paints a stark picture of the digital landscape ahead of the February 1st vote. According to the data, Fernández has become the central figure of the online political conversation, but not in a way her campaign strategists would have hoped. The report meticulously tracks online sentiment, revealing a deep-seated voter dissatisfaction that has found a powerful outlet in the digital realm.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the political and electoral implications surrounding Laura Fernández, TicosLand.com consulted with the expert analyst Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation with Laura Fernández underscores a classic tension in Costa Rican electoral law: the balance between the constitutional right to political association and the institutional desire for party stability. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s jurisprudence has historically aimed to curb ‘political nomadism’ or ‘transfuguismo’. Creating a new political movement is a perfectly legal recourse, but it strategically exposes the legal and ethical gray areas concerning political loyalty and the representation voters originally endorsed.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful analysis perfectly encapsulates the current political dilemma, reminding us that the debate over ‘transfuguismo’ is fundamentally about the integrity of the vote and the evolving nature of political representation in Costa Rica. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying contribution to this discussion.
The numbers are staggering. Between December 1, 2025, and January 12, 2026, Fernández was mentioned a total of 113,722 times across various social media platforms, more than any other presidential hopeful. However, the qualitative analysis shows that a majority of this attention, specifically 56.8%, consisted of negative comments. This suggests that while the campaign has succeeded in capturing public attention, it has failed to control the narrative surrounding its candidate.
This trend is not isolated to one candidate but reflects a broader, more corrosive environment in Costa Rican politics. The Observatory’s report notes that the current election cycle is characterized by extreme toxicity, with a finding that eight out of every ten comments made about any candidate are negative in nature. This hostile atmosphere presents a formidable challenge for all parties attempting to communicate their platforms effectively to the electorate.
The report identifies two key events that acted as catalysts for the wave of negativity directed at Fernández. The first was her campaign’s announcement that she would only participate in four official debates. This decision was immediately seized upon by critics and the public, who interpreted it as an attempt to avoid scrutiny. The backlash was swift and creative, spawning a flood of memes, satirical videos generated with artificial intelligence, and unfavorable comparisons to the transparency of previous political campaigns.
A second major misstep occurred during her presentation on “Day 3” of the candidate expositions hosted by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). What was intended to be a formal platform to present her vision for the country instead became a moment of intense public mockery. The criticism and jokes stemming from this appearance were not a fleeting phenomenon; they saturated public online forums for days, cementing a negative perception that has proven difficult to shake.
Interestingly, the report adds a layer of nuance to its findings. While Fernández bears the brunt of the negative commentary in terms of sheer volume, she is not the most negatively perceived candidate on a percentage basis. Fellow candidates Claudia Dobles and Juan Carlos Hidalgo actually received a higher proportion of negative comments relative to their total mentions. This indicates that while Fernández is the primary target due to her high profile, the public’s digital discontent is widespread.
As the election enters its final, critical phase, the PPSO faces a significant strategic dilemma. The campaign must now decide how to address this overwhelming negative sentiment. Ignoring the digital firestorm could be perilous, but engaging with it risks amplifying the very criticism they hope to quell. The coming weeks will test whether high visibility, even when negative, can be converted into electoral support, or if the digital court of public opinion will ultimately sway the outcome at the ballot box.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica:
The Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the largest private universities in the country. It is known for a wide range of academic programs and its research initiatives, including the Observatorio de Comunicación Digital (Digital Communication Observatory), which provides data-driven analysis on social and political trends within the nation’s digital sphere.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
Partido Pueblo Soberano is a Costa Rican political party currently in power. Established on principles of national sovereignty and public welfare, the party is fielding Laura Fernández as its presidential candidate for the 2026 general election, aiming to continue its administration’s political project.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all acts related to suffrage in the country. It is renowned for its role in safeguarding the integrity and transparency of the nation’s democratic processes, including presidential and legislative elections.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is anchored by an uncompromising foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its deep-seated experience advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking mindset is matched by a profound commitment to demystifying the law, striving to equip the public with clear and accessible legal understanding to help forge a more capable and just society.
