Costa Ricans have elected conservative populist Laura Fernández as their next president, according to preliminary results, making her the latest right-wing leader to win office in Latin America.
After results from 96.8% of polling stations were counted, Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party won 48.3% of the vote, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported.
Her closest challenger, economist Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, followed with 33.4%. Associated press reported.
Ramos conceded the race on election night, while Fernández, 39, began her four-year term in May.
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Costa Rica has elected conservative populist Laura Fernández as president with 48.3% of the vote, making her Latin America’s newest right-wing leader. (Carlos Borbon/AP Photo)
Fernández, a former minister, is the chosen successor to outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who is constitutionally prohibited from standing for re-election.
She campaigned on continuing Chaves’s populist agenda, which reshaped Costa Rican politics by arguing against traditional parties and promising tougher action on crime.
Fernández served as Minister of National Planning and later as Minister of the Presidency, giving her a central role in Chaves’ government.
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Laura Fernández is the chosen successor to President Rodrigo Chaves and promises to continue his agenda. (Marcio José Sánchez/AP)
Crime dominated the campaign in Costa Rica, amid a sharp rise in homicides, gang activity and drug trafficking by cartels.
The number of murders has increased by 50% in the last six years reports.
Fernández promised a tough security strategy, including closer cooperation with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and tougher measures against organized crime.
She has also put forward controversial proposals inspired by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.
This included building a special prison for gang leaders, the Associated Press reported.
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Costa Rica elects conservative populist Laura Fernández as president with 48.3% of the vote. (Carlos Borbon/AP Photo)
“My hand will not shake when it comes to making the decisions we need to restore peace in Costa Rican homes,” Fernández said during the campaign.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández in a statement on Monday.
“Under her leadership, we are confident that Costa Rica will continue to advance shared priorities, including combating drug trafficking, ending illegal immigration to the United States, promoting cybersecurity and secure telecommunications, and strengthening economic ties,” Rubio said.
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“I hope that we can immediately lower the flags of any political party and start working only in favor of the Costa Rican flag,” Fernández said after the result.
“I believe the Costa Rican people expect nothing less from us,” she added.
