• Laura Fernández won Costa Rica’s presidential election with over 48% of the vote.
• She promises to adopt tough-on-crime policies and deepen relations with the US.
• Her election reflects a rightward shift in Latin American politics.
• Fernández aims to tackle the surge in drug-related violence in Costa Rica.
• Costa Rica's legislature elected alongside the presidency shows strong support for Fernández's party.

Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People's Party has won the Costa Rican presidential election, capturing a decisive victory with more than 48% of the vote, exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a run-off. Her closest competitor, Álvaro Ramos, received approximately 33% and conceded defeat shortly after the results were announced, focusing on leading a “constructive opposition,” according to SCMP, BBC, LA Times, and NPR.

Fernández's election is viewed as a continuation of the policies of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who directly supported her candidacy. She has promised to tackle a significant rise in drug-related crime that has plagued Costa Rica in recent years, with her policies inspired by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele's stringent measures against gangs. Fernández aims to construct a high-security prison similar to Bukele's as part of her proposed approach, highlighting her tough stance on crime, according to SCMP and BBC.

In her victory speech, Fernández emphasized the importance of turning the current political climate into a cooperative effort focused solely on national interests, echoing a commitment to uphold Costa Rica’s democracy while also addressing concerns of increasing violence and instability tied to drug trafficking. She stated, “In democracy dissent is allowed, criticizing is allowed,” supporting her intent to work with the opposition where necessary, as noted by LA Times and NPR.

While Fernández is expected to face legislative challenges and bolster her party's influence within the National Assembly, she will be officially inaugurated on May 8. She has already hinted at possibly appointing Chaves to a cabinet position, maintaining continuity with the previous administration’s policies. The recent election results reflect a rightward shift across Latin America, with conservatives capitalizing on public dissatisfaction with crime and corruption, according to SCMP, BBC, and LA Times.

Fernández's administration is expected to address significant societal issues, particularly the increase in crime rates linked to drug trafficking by Mexican and Colombian cartels, which have exacerbated violence in local communities. The election outcome serves as a strong mandate for her proposed changes to policy aimed at enhancing security and promoting economic growth, which are central themes of her campaign, according to BBC and NPR.