Laura Fernandez, candidate of the ruling Sovereign People Party (PPSO), has secured Costa Rica's presidency with over 40% of votes cast in this week's general election, according to preliminary results from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal. The victory avoids a runoff election scheduled for April under Costa Rican law.
Fernandez, a 39-year-old former Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy (2022–2025), campaigned on a platform of institutional reform, anti-corruption measures, and infrastructure development. Her win comes amid high voter engagement, with 3.73 million registered voters choosing among 20 presidential candidates.
Analysts suggest Fernandez's first-round success reflects public appetite for continuity in economic policy and transparent governance. The president-elect's team has announced plans to prioritize cross-party collaboration to implement reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions and attracting overseas investment.
