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Laura Fernandez Leads Costa Rica Election on Law-and-Order Platform

Right-wing candidate Laura Fernandez has taken a strong early lead in Costa Rica's presidential election with over 53% of the initial vote count. She campaigns as the chosen successor to incumbent President Rodrigo Chaves, promising to continue his tough security agenda. Public safety has become a critical issue for voters amid rising crime in the traditionally peaceful nation. Alongside the presidential race, Costa Ricans also voted for members of the National Assembly.

Key Points: Costa Rica Election: Laura Fernandez Takes Early Lead

  • Fernandez leads with 53% in early count
  • Crime and security are decisive voter issues
  • Run-off possible if she falls below 40%
  • Election also for National Assembly seats
2 min read

Laura Fernandez takes early lead in Costa Rica presidential election

Right-wing candidate Laura Fernandez leads Costa Rica's presidential vote, campaigning as successor to President Rodrigo Chaves on a security agenda.

"Fernandez now needs at least 40 per cent to clinch an outright victory and avoid a run-off - Al Jazeera"

San Jose, February 2

Right-wing law-and-order candidate Laura Fernandez has emerged with a strong early lead in Costa Rica's presidential election, according to preliminary results, Al Jazeera reported.

Based on early counting, ballots from 31 per cent of polling stations tallied late on Sunday showed Fernandez of the governing Sovereign People Party (PPSO) securing 53.01 per cent of the vote, putting her comfortably ahead in the initial race.

Trailing her in second place was Alvaro Ramos of the centre-left National Liberation Party with 30.05 per cent, while former First Lady Claudia Dobles stood third with 3.9 per cent, Al Jazeera reported.

With these numbers, Fernandez now needs at least 40 per cent to clinch an outright victory and avoid a run-off scheduled for April 5.

Her surge comes as the 39-year-old politician campaigns as the chosen successor of incumbent President Rodrigo Chaves, pledging to carry forward his tough security agenda.

Crime has risen sharply in the traditionally peaceful Central American nation in recent years, making public safety a decisive issue for many voters. While some blame Chaves's administration for failing to curb violence, others view his confrontational approach as the strongest option to restore order, according to Al Jazeera.

Fernandez has closely aligned herself with Chaves, having earlier served as his minister of national planning and economic policy and later as minister of the presidency.

Alongside the presidential vote, Costa Ricans also elected members to the 57-seat National Assembly. Chaves's party is expected to gain ground, though it may fall short of the supermajority sought by Chaves and Fernandez, which would allow their bloc to appoint Supreme Court magistrates, among other powers, Al Jazeera reported.

Although 20 candidates entered the race, preliminary and partial results showed that no contender other than Fernandez and Ramos crossed the 5 per cent mark.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A 39-year-old leading the polls! Good to see younger politicians getting a chance. In our country, the average age of leaders is much higher. Maybe we need more young blood in politics too. Wishing Costa Rica a stable government! 🇨🇷
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Aman W
The article mentions she's the chosen successor of the incumbent. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Political dynasties and hand-picked successors are a global phenomenon, not just in India. Hope the people's mandate is truly respected.
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Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I find Costa Rica's election process fascinating. The 40% threshold to avoid a runoff is interesting. It seems like a good system to ensure a candidate has substantial support. Hope the final results bring peace and progress.
V
Vikram M
While a tough stance on crime is needed, we must be cautious. In India, we've seen how "strong" security agendas can sometimes lead to overreach and affect minority communities. I hope Costa Rica's leadership remembers that justice must be fair for all.
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Nisha Z
It's always heartening to see women leading in politics! Laura Fernandez, Claudia Dobles as a former First Lady in the race... more power to them. From an Indian sister, all the best to Costa Rica! May the best candidate win. 🙏

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