Costa Ricans Vote as Chaves Ally Leads Polls Amid Security Fears
Election on Feb. 1 could give Laura Fernández a first-round win if she surpasses 40%.
Overview
Millions of Costa Ricans are voting on Feb. 1, 2025, and a Jan. 28 University of Costa Rica CIEP poll found Laura Fernández at about 43.8%, which would clear the 40% threshold to avoid a runoff.
A Fernández victory could extend outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves's political project and, if her Sovereign People’s Party wins a supermajority in the 57-seat National Assembly, enable changes such as selecting Supreme Court magistrates, analysts warn.
Courts sought to prosecute Rodrigo Chaves on allegations of corruption and election meddling, but the Legislative Assembly blocked attempts to strip his immunity, records show.
Preliminary government figures for 2025 show 873 homicides and a 16.7 per 100,000 homicide rate, while more than 3.7 million Costa Ricans are eligible to vote for president and 57 legislative seats, official records show.
If no candidate surpasses 40%, a runoff is scheduled for April 5, 2025, and recent polls show 26% to 32% of voters undecided, leaving the result open to an upset.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources tend to report this contest neutrally, noting Chaves as a "conservative populist" while presenting both criticisms (rising crime, institutional attacks) and defenses (confrontational style seen as tough on crime). They cite experts and poll data and explain electoral mechanics, balancing context and competing perspectives without partisan language.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People's Party is leading with approximately 43.8% to 44% support, according to recent polls.
History
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