Costa Rica Elects Laura Fernández as New President
Laura Fernández Delgado has secured victory in the Costa Rican presidential election, as early results indicate her Sovereign People’s Party received over 48% of the votes. The National Liberation Party came in second with roughly 33%, according to the latest results from the country’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which supervises elections.
At her victory celebration in San Jose, Fernández stated, “Change will be deep and irreversible,” highlighting her commitment to reform. A former cabinet minister, she is the chosen successor of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who cannot run for re-election due to constitutional restrictions.
Fernández, 39, will be Costa Rica’s second female president, following Laura Chinchilla, who held office from 2010 to 2014. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated her on this achievement, expressing hope for strong cooperation on issues such as combating drug trafficking and enhancing cybersecurity.
She has garnered support with her conservative values and focus on family, appealing to Costa Rica’s growing evangelical community. Fernández has looked to leaders like Nayib Bukele of El Salvador for inspiration, particularly regarding measures to counter rising violence.
To tackle crime issues, she plans to complete a maximum-security prison modeled after a similar facility in El Salvador. Fernández is set to take the oath of office on May 8.
