San Jose: Costa Rica went to the polls on Sunday in a crucial general election that could redefine the country’s political trajectory, as right-wing populist forces seek to extend their grip on power amid mounting public anxiety over crime, governance and institutional stability. Millions of voters are choosing a new president and a 57-member National Assembly in an election widely seen as a referendum on the controversial but popular leadership style of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves.
At the centre of the contest is Laura Fernández, a 39-year-old former chief of staff to President Chaves and the candidate of the ruling Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO). Fernández has campaigned on a promise of continuity, pledging to carry forward Chaves’ tough law-and-order approach and his confrontational stance against what he describes as entrenched political elites. Opinion polls suggest she is leading the crowded field and is hovering around the 40% threshold needed to secure an outright first-round victory and avoid a runoff.
The presidential race features 20 candidates, reflecting widespread political fragmentation. Fernández’s nearest challengers include Álvaro Ramos, a centrist economist representing Costa Rica’s traditional political establishment, and Claudia Dobles, a progressive candidate and former first lady. Both, however, trail far behind in surveys, polling in the single digits. If no candidate crosses the required threshold, a second round is scheduled for April 5.
Public security has emerged as the defining issue of the campaign. Costa Rica, long regarded as one of Latin America’s most stable and peaceful democracies, has in recent years faced a sharp rise in violence linked to drug trafficking and organized crime. Record homicide rates and the growing influence of criminal networks have shaken public confidence and fueled support for tougher enforcement measures.
Despite multiple corruption allegations and institutional clashes during Chaves’ term, his approval ratings have remained relatively strong, largely due to his hardline rhetoric on crime. Fernández has sought to capitalize on this sentiment, portraying herself as the leader best positioned to maintain stability and confront criminal violence without delay. She has also argued that a strong mandate in parliament is essential to push through reforms that, in her view, have been blocked by political infighting.
Beyond the presidency, Fernández and her party are aiming for a commanding majority in the National Assembly. Such an outcome would significantly strengthen the executive’s hand, allowing the government to pass legislation more easily and potentially pursue constitutional or institutional changes. Supporters say this is necessary to overcome bureaucratic paralysis, while critics warn it could weaken democratic checks and balances.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed concern that an expanded populist mandate could tilt Costa Rica toward a more authoritarian style of governance. During Chaves’ presidency, tensions with the judiciary, legislature and media were frequent, raising alarms among democracy watchdogs. These concerns have become a central theme for rival candidates, who argue that institutional independence must be protected even while addressing security challenges.
A significant portion of the electorate, particularly young and first-time voters, remains undecided. Analysts say turnout among this group could be decisive in determining whether Fernández secures a first-round victory or faces a runoff. With more than 3.7 million eligible voters, including Costa Ricans living abroad, the election outcome will hinge not only on security concerns but also on broader questions about governance, accountability and the future direction of the country.
Polling stations opened early Sunday morning and are set to close in the evening, with preliminary results expected later in the day. As ballots are counted, Costa Rica awaits an outcome that could either entrench the populist project launched under President Chaves or reopen the political contest through a second round a decision that will shape the nation’s democracy, economy and security strategy for years to come.