News - Costa Rica Leans Towards Continuity Amid Election Hopes

In a nation grappling with rising crime, Costa Ricans are preparing to vote in a significant presidential election. The focus of many citizens remains on security as outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves endorses his favored successor, Laura Fernández, who promises to extend his anti-crime policies. Despite Costa Rica experiencing its highest homicide rates during his tenure, Chaves skillfully evades blame, directing responsibility towards an alleged lenient judiciary and predecessors. His forthright confrontation of the opposition and judicial system has resonated with many, swaying public opinion. Chaves gained further attention after inviting El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele to celebrate the construction of a new prison, reflecting Bukele's stringent anti-gang measures. Under Chaves' leadership, the nation saw homicides peak at 907 in 2023, with a gradual decline in the following years. Chaves' rhetoric has marginalized an opposition tainted by corruption scandals and ineffective counter-arguments. Key opposition figures, like economist Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, struggle for voter attention, polling at around 10%. Meanwhile, Claudia Dobles, another formidable candidate and ex-first lady, confronts criticisms tied to her husband’s administration. Fernández, former minister under Chaves, rises in popularity despite challenges surrounding her affiliation with Chaves' campaign activities, which electoral authorities deemed inappropriate. Yet, attempts to prosecute Chaves faltered. As voters also look to fill 57 congressional seats, there's a push to ensure Fernández, representing Chaves' Sovereign People’s Party, garners legislative backing. Merchants like María Ramírez advocate this, arguing Chaves faced intentional legislative obstruction. Supporters like Edwin Alvarado, crediting Chaves with economic improvement, intend to vote for Fernández to maintain the trajectory of governmental efficacy. "Fernández embodies the progress initiated by Chaves," Alvarado asserts, highlighting dissatisfaction with traditional parties focused on preserving privileges. The upcoming election is decisive, with polls projecting Fernández nearing the 40% needed for a first-round victory. A runoff awaits if no candidate achieves this threshold, yet undecided voters—comprising nearly a third—leave room for potential shifts. Analyst Ramírez anticipates that indecisive voters search for a competitor to Fernández in a possible subsequent round.