Costa Rica Prepares for Presidential and Legislative Elections
On February 1, Costa Rica will hold presidential and legislative elections in a context marked by political fragmentation, high levels of voter indecision, and the growing prominence of key debates such as public security, financial inclusion, and state modernization. Voters will elect a president, two vice presidents, and the 57 members of the Legislative Assembly for the 2026–2030 term.
To win in the first round, the Constitution requires a candidate to obtain at least 40% of valid votes. If that threshold is not reached, a runoff election will be held on April 5. The new Congress will take office on May 1, while the president will be sworn in on May 8.
A Competitive Incumbent Camp and a Fragmented Opposition
Laura Fernández of the PPS leads the polls with close to 40% of voting intention, benefiting from approval ratings above 50% for outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves, who is barred from running due to the ban on immediate re-election.
She is followed by Álvaro Ramos (PLN) with less than 10%. Trailing behind are Claudia Dobles (CAC), Fabricio Alvarado (NR), and Ariel Robles (FA), all polling between 3% and 5%. Undecided voters, who account for more than 30% of the electorate, could determine whether the election is decided in the first round or moves to a runoff.
Security, the Economy, and Digital Transformation at the Center of the Debate
Public security has become the central issue of the campaign, amid the advance of drug trafficking and debates over a potential tightening of government policies. At the same time, the main candidates have incorporated proposals related to the digital transformation of the state, financial inclusion, economic competitiveness, and the regulation of new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Notable initiatives include plans to strengthen the fintech ecosystem, modernize key infrastructure, expand the use of electronic payments—particularly in public transportation—simplify tax and customs procedures, enhance cybersecurity, and promote regulatory frameworks for the digital economy.
Legislative Elections and Governance Challenges
The legislative election points to a highly fragmented Congress, with more than 20 political forces competing and low chances that a single party will secure the simple majority of 29 seats. This scenario favors parties with well-established territorial structures, but requires constant interparty negotiation to ensure quorum and advance the legislative agenda.
The renewal of all 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly will take place amid electoral uncertainty, characterized by a high number of undecided voters and a proportional representation system that creates higher barriers to entry for emerging parties, particularly outside the provinces with the largest number of seats.