By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Political scientist Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party has decisively won Costa Rica’s presidential election in the first round, securing a powerful mandate to implement her hard-line security agenda. At 39, the right-wing candidate and protégé of popular outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves becomes the second woman in the nation’s history to win the presidency.
The victory was comprehensive. With 69.4% of the ballots counted by Sunday evening, Fernández had captured an overwhelming 49.61% of the vote. This gave her a commanding lead over her closest rival, Álvaro Ramos of the social democratic National Liberation Party (PLN), who trailed significantly with 32.5%. The results negate the need for a run-off election, signaling strong public support for her platform.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal and political framework surrounding the actions of Laura Fernández, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The situation involving Laura Fernández highlights a classic dilemma in public administration: the potential conflict between an official’s duty under the principle of legality and their allegiance to a political party’s platform. Every decision made by a public servant must be explicitly grounded in law, not in partisan directives. When this distinction becomes unclear, it can lead to administrative sanctions and, more importantly, a significant erosion of citizen confidence in the integrity of our governmental institutions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight precisely captures the core tension facing public officials, where the integrity of our institutions hinges on upholding the law over partisan pressures. The erosion of citizen confidence mentioned is indeed the highest cost of failing to do so. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clarifying and essential contribution to this discussion.
Fernández’s campaign was built on the foundation of continuity and an intensified approach to the nation’s most pressing issues. Having served as Minister of the Presidency and Planning under Chaves, she openly positioned herself as his “heiress.” Throughout the campaign, chants of “Viva Chaves!” were common at rallies, a sentiment she and party leaders actively encouraged, further cementing the link to the highly popular incumbent.
The centerpiece of her electoral promise was a vow to crack down on rising crime and insecurity, which polls consistently show as the primary concern for Costa Ricans. She has proposed controversial measures to combat drug trafficking and associated violence, including the use of a state of exception in conflict-ridden areas. This constitutional provision would allow for the temporary suspension of certain civil liberties to target criminal elements.
My hand will not tremble in making the decisions we must make to restore peace to the homes of Costa Rica, which are full of good people. In my government plan, we have proposed the suspension of guarantees.
Laura Fernández, President-elect of Costa Rica
The President-elect argues this “special and extraordinary procedure” would enable authorities to efficiently “take identified criminals off the streets.” This tough-on-crime narrative echoes Chaves’s own rhetoric, which often involved sharp criticism of the judicial and legislative branches, blaming them for systemic failures that have allowed crime to escalate.
To ensure her agenda is not obstructed, Fernández’s Sovereign People’s Party set an ambitious goal of winning 40 of the 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Such a supermajority would pave the way for significant reforms to the judiciary and the passage of stricter laws. Adding to concerns from opponents, prominent party figures have also revealed plans for a constitutional reform to permit consecutive presidential re-election.
These proposals have drawn sharp criticism from rivals, who label them as authoritarian and a potential threat to Costa Rica’s long-standing democratic traditions. Some, like leftist candidate Ariel Robles, have gone as far as warning of a slide towards dictatorship. Fernández, however, has dismissed these accusations, framing her victory as a celebration of the country’s political system.
This is a democratic festival, and we have to thank God for our country and for the democratic stability that I will always protect.
Laura Fernández, President-elect of Costa Rica
Beyond security, Fernández has pledged to continue major infrastructure projects initiated by the Chaves administration. These include the development of Ciudad Gobierno, a large government office complex, as well as a new marina on the Caribbean coast and the expansion of key ports and airports. Her administration is also poised to continue its predecessor’s legacy, with Fernández openly stating she might offer “a brilliant man” like Rodrigo Chaves a ministerial position in her cabinet.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Sovereign People’s Party
About Sovereign People’s Party:
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a right-leaning political party in Costa Rica that gained prominence through its association with President Rodrigo Chaves. The party’s platform is characterized by populist rhetoric, a strong focus on law and order, and criticism of traditional political establishments and institutions. It advocates for decisive executive action to address national problems like crime and government inefficiency.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About National Liberation Party:
The Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most historically significant political parties. Founded on social-democratic principles, it has played a central role in shaping the nation’s modern welfare state and democratic institutions. The PLN has held the presidency on numerous occasions and remains a major force in the country’s political landscape, typically representing a more centrist or center-left ideology.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience across a spectrum of industries into developing pioneering legal strategies that address modern challenges. This innovative spirit is matched by a profound dedication to social progress, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify the law and equip citizens with the understanding needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities effectively.
