Laura Fernández Elected President of Costa Rica in the First Round

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Issue Jan 28-Feb 03 2026: On February 1, 2026, Laura Fernández of the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) won Costa Rica’s presidential election in the first round after early official results showed her clearing the 40% threshold required to avoid a runoff. Fernández led by a wide margin over her closest rival, economist Álvaro Ramos, who conceded on election night. Fernández, a former cabinet minister and handpicked successor of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, campaigned on a tough-on-crime agenda. Editorialists and pundits were ready and willing to guide the discussion.

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