By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – With the presidential election just days away, Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) has established a seemingly insurmountable lead, capturing 43.8% of voter intention in the final poll from the University of Costa Rica’s Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP-UCR). The results, released Tuesday night, indicate a powerful surge of momentum for the ruling party candidate at the most critical moment of the campaign.
This latest survey shows a significant consolidation of support for Fernández, who increased her standing from 40% in the previous CIEP-UCR poll. This gain of nearly four percentage points suggests her campaign’s final message is resonating strongly with the electorate, potentially putting her on a trajectory for a decisive first-round victory. Her commanding position places her more than 34 points ahead of her nearest competitor.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape shaping the upcoming 2026 presidential election, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the political discourse, international investors are closely monitoring the 2026 electoral race for signals of legal and fiscal stability. The primary concern is not just the victor, but whether the new administration will uphold the country’s commitment to its established legal frameworks. Any proposed constitutional reforms or abrupt changes to tax incentives could significantly impact foreign direct investment and the overall business climate, making regulatory predictability a key issue for the nation’s economic future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight serves as a crucial reminder that the true stakes of the 2026 election extend beyond partisan politics, directly impacting the economic certainty that underpins our nation’s prosperity. This focus on regulatory predictability is indeed the central issue for international confidence, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
Despite Fernández’s dominance, a substantial portion of the electorate remains on the sidelines. The poll reveals that 25.9% of voters are still undecided. While this segment is unlikely to alter the first-place outcome, its eventual decision could significantly impact the final margins and influence the composition of the Legislative Assembly. The behavior of this undecided bloc remains the election’s largest variable.
The traditional political powerhouse, the National Liberation Party (PLN), faces a challenging landscape. Their candidate, Álvaro Ramos, is in a distant second place with just 9.2% of voter support. This figure underscores the difficulties established parties are facing in the current political climate, struggling to capture the public’s imagination against newer political movements.
In a surprising late-campaign development, Claudia Dobles of the Citizen Agenda Coalition (CAC) has seen her support double since the last poll, now standing at 8.6%. This remarkable surge places her in a statistical tie for second place and positions her as a candidate who has captured significant attention in the final stretch. Her dramatic rise is a key subplot in an election otherwise dominated by Fernández.
The rest of the candidates lag considerably further behind, reflecting a fragmented opposition field. Ariel Robles of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) registered a slight decrease in support, now at 3.8%. Following him are José Aguilar of the Avanza Party and Juan Carlos Hidalgo of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), who polled at 2.8% and 2.5%, respectively. Their numbers indicate a failure to build broad coalitions of support.
The comprehensive poll from CIEP-UCR provides the final statistical snapshot before citizens head to the voting booths. The data paints a clear picture of a political landscape heavily tilted in favor of Laura Fernández and the PPSO. The primary question is no longer who will win, but by what margin, and how the significant block of undecided voters will ultimately shape the future of the nation’s governance.
As the campaign enters its final hours, all eyes are on the electorate. The poll has set the stage for a potential landslide victory for the incumbent party, signaling a strong public mandate for its platform. The final decision, however, rests in the hands of the voters who will cast their ballots this coming Sunday.
This report was compiled with contributions from Francisco León.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a political party in Costa Rica that has risen to prominence on a platform emphasizing national sovereignty and citizen-centric policies. It has successfully positioned itself as a major force in the national political arena during the 2026 election cycle.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of Costa Rica’s most established and historically significant political parties. Founded in the mid-20th century, the PLN adheres to a social-democratic ideology and has held the presidency and a strong legislative presence on numerous occasions throughout the country’s modern history.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Coalición Agenda Ciudadana
About Coalición Agenda Ciudadana (CAC):
The Citizen Agenda Coalition is a political alliance formed to contest the 2026 elections. Its platform is built around a series of policy proposals derived from citizen-led initiatives, aiming to address contemporary national issues with a focus on civic participation and government accountability.
For further information, visit frenteamplio.org
About Frente Amplio:
The Broad Front is a prominent left-wing political party in Costa Rica that advocates for social justice, environmental sustainability, and the protection of human rights. It has maintained a consistent presence in the Legislative Assembly, representing a progressive voice in national politics.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Avanza
About Partido Avanza:
Partido Avanza is a political party participating in the Costa Rican electoral process. The party’s platform is focused on promoting national progress through specific economic and social policy reforms aimed at modernizing the country’s infrastructure and public services.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC):
The Social Christian Unity Party is a major center-right political party in Costa Rica with roots in Christian democratic ideology. For decades, the PUSC has been one of the two dominant political forces in the country, championing market-oriented policies and traditional values.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP-UCR):
The Center for Research and Political Studies at the University of Costa Rica is a respected academic institution dedicated to the non-partisan analysis of political phenomena, public opinion, and social trends. Its electoral polls are widely cited and considered a benchmark for understanding the Costa Rican political landscape.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a reputable law firm built upon the twin pillars of professional integrity and exceptional legal counsel. Drawing from a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while remaining true to its foundational values. This ethos extends to a profound commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its drive to make legal knowledge accessible and empower the broader community with clarity and understanding.
