Costa Rica heads to polls amid fears of authoritarian turn

"Costa Rica heads to the polls on Sunday in an election dominated by increasing insecurity and warnings of an authoritarian turn in a country long seen as a model of liberal democracy in the region. Crime is a big concern for many voters as criminal groups battle to control lucrative cocaine trafficking routes to Europe and the US, casting a shadow on the Central American country famous for its wildlife tourism."

"Voters are choosing the president and 57 members of congress for the next four years after a campaign that centred on President Rodrigo Chaves, a polarising figure who has upended Costa Rica's political system, even though he was unable to run again as the constitution prohibits consecutive terms. The president's handpicked candidate, Laura Fernandez, 37, a former minister promising a hard line on security, leads the latest polls with about 40% of the vote enough to secure a first-round win."

"Meanwhile, the opposition is fragmented, with no candidate exceeding 10%. However, roughly a third of voters are still undecided, meaning the outcome is wide open. Where [these voters] flip will determine everything, said James Bosworth, founder of Hxagon, a consultancy. He said Fernandez could get a majority or even a supermajority in congress. Alternatively she could get a minority, and struggle in the second round if the opposition vote consolidated."

Costa Rica heads to the polls on Sunday amid rising insecurity and warnings of an authoritarian turn. Criminal groups fighting for cocaine routes to Europe and the US have made crime a central voter concern and hurt wildlife tourism. Voters choose the president and 57 congress members after a campaign shaped by President Rodrigo Chaves, who cannot run again but whose handpicked candidate, Laura Fernandez, leads polls with about 40% and promises a hard security line. The opposition is fragmented and roughly a third of voters remain undecided, leaving the result uncertain. Since 2022 Chaves has delivered mixed economic results and clashed with institutions amid corruption and meddling allegations.

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