Costa 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
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.
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.