AdvertisementAmericas and the CaribbeanWorldAmericasCosta Rica elects tough-talking right-winger for president
Laura Fernandez, a protege and former chief of staff of the outgoing president, has pledged to continue his tough security policies
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Right-wing political scientist Laura Fernandez won Costa Rica’s presidential election on Sunday by a landslide, after promising to crack down hard on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade.
Fernandez’s nearest rival, centre-right economist Alvaro Ramos, conceded defeat as results showed the ruling party far exceeding the threshold of 40 per cent needed to avoid a run-off.
With 81.24 per cent of polling stations counted, the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves had 48.94 per cent of the vote compared to 33.02 per cent for Ramos.
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As soon as the first results were announced, members of Fernandez’s Sovereign People’s party erupted in celebrations around the country, waving blue, red and white-striped Costa Rican flags.
“Viva Rodrigo Chaves,” some cheered, in a nod to Fernandez’s mentor.
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