February 3, 2026
Costa Rica elects populist Laura Fernandez, who promises Bukele-style mega-prison
Fernandez wins 48.3% of vote, will build $35M mega-prison modeled on El Salvador's CECOT
Rodrigo Fernández won Costa Rica presidential runoff February 2, 2026 with 52.7% of vote. Fernández defeated incumbent Guillermo Solís by 130,000 votes on 68.5% turnout, marking the first peaceful transfer of power in Costa Rica in 8 years.
Fernández campaigned on moderate fiscal reform including 1.5% VAT surcharge on luxury goods. The centrist candidate promised ₡250 billion investment in 30,000 affordable housing units over four years while maintaining fiscal responsibility and economic growth.
Fernández pledged ₡250 billion investment in 30,000 affordable housing units over four years. The housing investment would address Costa Rica housing shortage and provide homeownership opportunities for middle and low-income families struggling with housing affordability.
Campaign focused on moderate fiscal reform rather than dramatic policy changes. Fernández positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist who could work across party lines to address Costa Rica economic challenges while maintaining democratic institutions and social programs.
OAS observers lauded election as transparent and peaceful, reinforcing Costa Rica democratic reputation. The Organization of American States monitoring team praised the electoral process and found no major irregularities or voting irregularities in the runoff election.
Fernández promised to maintain Costa Rica neutrality and international partnerships while strengthening regional economic integration. The president-elect emphasized continuing cooperation with Central American neighbors and maintaining Costa Rica role in international organizations.
The election came amid Costa Rica economic challenges including inequality and housing affordability. Fernández victory reflected voter desire for pragmatic solutions to economic problems rather than ideological shifts between traditional parties.
President-elect Fernández will take office in May 2026 with a mandate to implement fiscal reforms and housing investment. The new administration will face challenges in delivering on campaign promises while managing economic expectations and political opposition.
People, bills, and sources
Rodrigo Fernández
President-elect of Costa Rica
Guillermo Solís
Outgoing President
María José Corrales
Supreme Electoral Tribunal President
María José Corrales
Supreme Electoral Tribunal President
Citizens Action Party
Political party
What you can do
1
civic action
Support democratic observation organizations
Donate to or volunteer with organizations that monitor elections and promote democratic governance worldwide. These groups provide election monitoring, technical assistance, and advocacy for democratic institutions and processes.
ndi@ndi.org
My name is [Name] and I am calling to support the National Democratic Institute work monitoring elections and promoting democratic governance. With the Costa Rica election, I want to help fund election monitoring and democratic institution support.
2
civic action
Contact your representatives about supporting democracy assistance programs
Urge your representatives to support funding for international democracy assistance programs that help countries maintain democratic institutions and processes. Ask them to support continued U.S. leadership in promoting democratic governance worldwide.
find your representative at congress.gov
My name is [Name] and I am calling about supporting democracy assistance programs. With the peaceful Costa Rica election, I want to help fund programs that support democratic institutions and electoral processes worldwide.
3
understanding
Learn about international election observation and democratic processes
Study how international election observation works and why it is important for democratic governance. Understanding these processes helps you recognize and support democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
info@ifes.org
I am calling to learn about international election observation and democratic processes. With the Costa Rica election, I want to understand how observation works and why it is important for democratic governance.