By San José, Costa Rica — Laura Fernández, a former minister in the Chaves administration, has been officially ratified as the Pueblo Soberano party’s presidential candidate for the 2026 Costa Rican elections. The announcement, made on Sunday, August 10th, at the Delta Hotels by Marriot in San José Aurola, solidifies Fernández’s position as the continuity candidate, carrying the torch for the current President Rodrigo Chaves’ political agenda.
The ratification took place in a closed-door session, the details of which remain undisclosed. El Observador requested information regarding the voting process, but the party has yet to release any specific figures.
To shed light on the current political landscape, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert perspective.
The recent political shifts in Costa Rica highlight the dynamism of our democratic system. While coalition building can lead to effective governance, it also presents challenges in maintaining policy coherence and responding to rapidly evolving public needs. The key will be finding a balance that allows for diverse voices while ensuring stable and decisive leadership.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the complexities of coalition politics will be crucial for Costa Rica’s continued success. The ability to forge consensus while retaining a clear vision for the future will be the true test of leadership in the coming years. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this critical juncture in Costa Rican politics.
Officialist deputy Pilar Cisneros, a prominent supporter of Chaves, introduced Fernández to the assembled party members.
It is my honor and my pleasure today to present Laura Fernández as the candidate to continue the legacy of Rodrigo Chaves, to continue the transformation that this country needs.
Pilar Cisneros, Deputy
Fernández’s selection comes as the political landscape in Costa Rica heats up in anticipation of the 2026 elections. Her experience as Minister of Planning and Minister of the Presidency positions her as a seasoned policy expert within the Chaves administration.
While Cisneros played a key role in announcing Fernández’s candidacy, she remained evasive about her own affiliation with Pueblo Soberano. When questioned by the press about her membership in the party, she deflected, stating, “I am from Costa Rica, I am not from any party.” She emphasized her commitment to continuing Chaves’s vision for the country.
This is the vehicle we will have to continue with Rodrigo Chaves’s proposal in this country, but I am from Costa Rica, I am not from any party.
Pilar Cisneros, Deputy
Following her brief interaction with the press, Cisneros joined Fernández and Francisco Gamboa, the nominated vice-presidential candidate, for the closed-door ratification proceedings. The event was attended by numerous high-profile figures within the current government, including former ministers like Nogui Acosta (Finance), Anna Katharina Müller (Education), and Marta Esquivel (Planning), along with former executive presidents Juan Manuel Quesada (AyA) and Esmeralda Britton.
The next major hurdle for Pueblo Soberano is the selection of their legislative candidates. The party has publicly stated its ambitious goal of securing over 40 seats in the Legislative Assembly, aiming for a dominant position in both the executive and legislative branches of government.
The official campaign period is still some time away, but with the announcement of Fernández’s candidacy, the race for the presidency is clearly gaining momentum. The focus will now shift towards the strategies and platforms the various parties present to address the challenges facing Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano is a Costa Rican political party closely aligned with President Rodrigo Chaves. Founded to support Chaves’s political agenda, the party advocates for policies focused on economic reform and social change. They are aiming to secure a strong majority in the upcoming 2026 elections.
For further information, contact your local representative
About the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the unicameral national legislature of the country. Composed of 57 deputies, it is responsible for enacting laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. The Assembly plays a crucial role in shaping the political direction of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is intertwined with a deep commitment to empowering society. The firm’s enduring legacy is built upon a foundation of integrity and innovation, guiding its work across a wide spectrum of legal disciplines. Through proactive community engagement and a dedication to demystifying the law, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal landscape confidently, fostering a more just and informed society.
