As violence surges, right-wing populist emerges as frontrunner in Costa Rica’s presidential election

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 29 (Reuters) - Costa Ricans head into Sunday’s elections with ‌polls indicating that a right-wing populist is the clear frontrunner, amid a surge of drug trafficking and violence that has eroded the country’s image as a peaceful ‌tourist haven.

Laura Fernandez, 39, a political scientist and former presidential chief of staff, holds a commanding lead, signaling voter appetite in the Central American country to ‌extend the right’s mandate.