Costa Ricans will vote for a new president and parliamentary representatives this Sunday, February 1st, amid growing public concern over rising crime and drug trafficking in the typically stable nation. The election is being closely watched across Latin America as current polling leader Laura Fernández campaigns on a controversial “tough on crime” platform, raising questions about a potential shift in the country’s traditionally moderate political landscape. With roughly a quarter of voters still undecided, the outcome remains fluid as Fernández seeks too secure an outright victory and avoid a runoff election.
Costa Ricans head to the polls this Sunday, February 1st, 2026, in a presidential election where current frontrunner Laura Fernández is campaigning on a tough-on-crime platform. The election comes as the traditionally stable Central American nation grapples with a surge in drug trafficking and associated violence, issues that are dominating the political discourse and raising concerns about the country’s future.
Fernández, representing the ruling party, has proposed finishing construction of a large-scale prison modeled after a similar facility in El Salvador, championed by President Nayib Bukele, whom she openly admires. She also advocates for increased penalties and states of exception in areas plagued by conflict. “We are going to win in the first round and we will do so with 40 deputies!” the former Minister of the Presidency and Planning declared at the close of her campaign, referring to the majority needed in the 57-seat Congress to enact constitutional reforms.
The 39-year-old conservative politician leads in the polls, capitalizing on public anxiety over rising crime rates. However, her proposals have drawn criticism from opponents who fear a slide toward authoritarianism. Álvaro Ramos, the candidate from the traditional Social Democratic Liberation Party, currently trails Fernández with less than 10% support. “You shouldn’t lock people up just for having tattoos,” Ramos countered, responding to Fernández’s hardline stance.
Around 3.7 million citizens are eligible to vote for both president and members of parliament in an election closely watched across Latin America. A victory for Fernández would further solidify the right’s growing influence in the region, following recent wins in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Honduras. Her political mentor, President Rodrigo Chaves, is an ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
To avoid a second-round runoff on April 5th, Fernández needs to secure 40% of the vote. The latest poll from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) indicates she has 44%, though a significant 26% of voters remain undecided. This suggests the outcome remains uncertain as the election nears.
A Tight Race Beyond the Frontrunner
Meanwhile, Claudia Dobles, the candidate for the center-left Citizen Agenda Coalition, is vying for support as the third-place contender. She met with international observers on January 31st and campaigned in San José aboard a specially outfitted “Coali-bus,” engaging directly with voters. Dobles, an architect and former First Lady (2018-2022), told Efe news agency at the close of the campaign that the meeting with observers was “very productive” and reinforced her confidence in the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
Dobles has also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the United States should she win the presidency. She argues that addressing security concerns requires a multi-faceted approach, combining law enforcement efforts with preventative measures to deter young people from becoming involved in drug trafficking. The development underscores the complex challenges facing Costa Rica as it seeks to balance security with its long-held commitment to social welfare and democratic principles.
lgc (afp, efe)
