By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive first-round victory, Laura Fernández of the right-leaning Sovereign People’s Party has been elected the next president of Costa Rica. The result, however, arrives alongside a pointed report from the Organization of American States (OAS) that, while praising the election’s transparency, issued a stark warning about the potential for democratic erosion stemming from incumbent President Rodrigo Chaves’s repeated attacks on the country’s electoral body.
With 96.87% of polling stations reporting, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) confirmed Fernández secured a commanding 48.3% of the vote. This outright win allows her to avoid a runoff, decisively placing her ahead of her closest rival, Álvaro Ramos of the social democratic National Liberation Party (PLN), who garnered 33.44%. None of the other 18 candidates managed to break the 5% threshold, highlighting a clear mandate for the president-elect. The TSE has now commenced its manual tally, with the official declaration of winners for the presidency, two vice-presidencies, and 57 legislative seats expected within a month.
To delve into the legal framework and potential business implications of the recent electoral outcome, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The peaceful and orderly transition of power is a hallmark of Costa Rica’s robust democracy, meticulously overseen by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). For the international business community, this institutional solidity is paramount. It signals a stable legal environment and a continued commitment to the rule of law, which are essential for attracting and retaining foreign investment regardless of the political party in power.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective underscores a fundamental truth: while political campaigns may dominate the headlines, it is the underlying institutional integrity that builds long-term investor confidence and secures the nation’s standing on the world stage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable analysis on this essential connection.
The OAS electoral observation mission, led by Uruguay’s former Deputy Foreign Minister Ope Pasquet, lauded the nation for its exemplary democratic conduct. The mission’s report celebrated the peaceful and efficient process, offering its formal recognition to the Costa Rican people for a successful election that showcased their profound civic commitment.
The Mission underscores the importance for Costa Rican democracy of the institutional strength, professionalism, and experience of an autonomous and independent electoral authority like the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
OAS Observation Mission Report
The report explicitly commended the TSE for its robust and professional management of the election, stating that the voting, counting, and preliminary results disclosure were all conducted with complete transparency. This endorsement serves as a powerful validation of the institution’s integrity in the face of political pressure.
Yet, this praise was tempered by significant apprehension. The OAS observers noted what they termed “direct and individualized remarks” made by President Chaves against the TSE. Throughout the campaign, Chaves publicly questioned the tribunal’s impartiality. His criticism was linked to the TSE’s enforcement of a law prohibiting government propaganda during the electoral period and a failed congressional request to lift his immunity over allegations of electoral interference.
The OAS mission’s report did not mince words about the potential consequences of such rhetoric, framing it as a threat to the very foundations of Costa Rica’s celebrated democracy. The observers cautioned that continued assaults on institutions could weaken the democratic framework that has long made the nation a regional benchmark for stability and civil liberties.
Costa Rica is an exemplary democracy in the continent, internationally recognized as a full democracy… The Mission recognizes that no democracy is immune to the erosion that can result from polarization, attacks on institutions, and restrictions on human rights.
OAS Observation Mission Report
Looking ahead, President-elect Fernández, who is set to take office on May 8th, has signaled her administration’s key foreign and domestic priorities. In her first press conference, she announced plans to foster closer relationships with the United States and El Salvador to bolster economic and security cooperation. Domestically, she pledged to prioritize restoring public safety, reforming the penitentiary system, and combating impunity, setting an ambitious agenda for her incoming government.
As Costa Rica prepares for this political transition, the OAS’s dual message resonates deeply. While the election of Laura Fernández was a clear success for democratic procedure, the documented attacks on the TSE by the outgoing executive serve as a crucial reminder. The international body urged the nation to actively “safeguard the integrity and continuous strengthening of the TSE, a national asset that must be duly valued,” ensuring the resilience of the institutions that define Costa Rica’s enduring democratic model.
For further information, visit oas.org
About Organization of American States (OAS):
The Organization of American States is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States, held in Washington, D.C., from October 1889 to April 1890. It was established in its current form in 1948 to promote democracy, human rights, security, and development among its 35 member states in the Americas. The OAS serves as a principal political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the hemisphere.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Costa Rica is the country’s highest electoral authority. Established as an independent constitutional body, it is responsible for organizing, directing, and supervising all acts related to elections, referendums, and plebiscites. The TSE is also in charge of the Civil Registry, issuing identity cards and managing vital statistics for all citizens, and is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Costa Rican democracy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People’s Party):
The Sovereign People’s Party is a right-leaning political party in Costa Rica. It gained significant prominence with the successful presidential campaign of Laura Fernández in 2026. The party’s platform often focuses on national sovereignty, economic liberalization, and a strong stance on law and order.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most established political parties. A member of the Socialist International, the PLN is generally considered a social-democratic party. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s political landscape since its founding in the mid-20th century, having produced numerous presidents and holding significant influence in the Legislative Assembly over the decades.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica represents a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a persistent drive for superior performance. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned counsel to a diverse clientele but also through its role as a pioneer of forward-thinking legal strategies. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify complex legal principles and empower the community with accessible knowledge for a more just society.
