Costa Rica's ruling party heads for victory in February elections, poll shows


Costa Rica presidential candidate Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People Party (PPSO) takes part in a debate organized by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal ahead of the February 1 general election, in San Jose, Costa Rica, January 11, 2026. REUTERS/Mayela Lopez

SAN JOSE, Jan 21 (Reuters) - ‌Costa Rica's ruling party candidate poised to win the February 1 presidential election ‌in the first round, with 40% voter support that could also hand her ‌party a legislative majority for the 2026–2030 term, a University of Costa Rica poll showed.

Laura Fernandez, a former minister loyal to President Rodrigo Chaves who has pledged policy "continuity" and to appoint him to a senior role, saw her ‍support rise between December and January to the 40% threshold ‍needed to avoid a runoff, according ‌to the poll released on Wednesday.

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