Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Fernandez wins Costa Rica presidency amid crime concerns
Costa Ricans voted in an important election on February 4, 2024.
Laura Fernandez, a right-wing populist, won the presidency with nearly 50% of the votes.
She wants to continue the current president's tough policies on crime and make big changes to the country's laws.
Many people are worried about rising crime and corruption.
Fernandez's party is expected to win a majority in Congress, but not enough for major constitutional changes.
Her victory is part of a trend in Latin America where right-wing candidates are winning elections.
Supporters of her opponent, Alvaro Ramos, want unity and healing for the country.
The results will start coming in late in the evening.
Laura Fernandez, a right-wing populist, won the Costa Rican presidency with nearly 50% of the votes.
Fernandez aims to continue President Rodrigo Chaves' tough security policies and anti-establishment message.
Her party is projected to win a majority of 30 seats in the 57-seat Congress, up from its current eight seats.
About a quarter of the 3.7 million voters remained undecided, with significant interest from young people in coastal provinces.
Despite high homicide rates and corruption investigations, President Chaves maintains a 58% approval rating.
- Who
- Costa Rican voters, Laura Fernandez, Alvaro Ramos, Claudia Dobles, President Rodrigo Chaves
- What
- General election to choose a new president and secure control of Congress
- When
- February 4, 2024, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time
- Where
- Costa Rica, with significant voter interest in coastal provinces
- Why
- To address drug-fueled violence and potential constitutional reforms
Fernandez's Supporters
Ramos's Supporters
Government Structure
Fernandez's Supporters
Support a new political era with deep and irreversible changes, aiming to build a 'third republic'.
Ramos's Supporters
Advocate for unity and healing of the country, opposing changes that do not benefit the nation.
Security Policies
Fernandez's Supporters
Back Fernandez's tough security policies and anti-establishment message to address rising crime.
Ramos's Supporters
Seek a balanced approach to security, potentially differing from Fernandez's populist proposals.
- Election Date
- February 4, 2024
- Leading Candidate
- Laura Fernandez
- Current President
- Rodrigo Chaves
- Voter Turnout
- 3.7 million registered voters
- Undecided Voters
- About a quarter of voters
- Polling Stations
- Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time
- Expected Results
- Early results expected at 8:45 p.m.
- Fernandez's Vote Share
- Nearly 50% with 88.43% of ballots counted
- Congressional Seats Projected
- 30 out of 57
- Chaves' Approval Rating
- 58%
Sources
Costa Ricans vote as right-wing populists aim to extend mandate
Laura Fernandez nears victory with commanding lead in Costa Rica’s election
Fernandez overwhelmingly wins Costa Rica presidency as populist project secures new term