This Sunday (1st), Costa Ricans will go to the polls to elect the next president of Costa Rica. According to the most recent polls, right-wing candidate Laura Fernández leads the race with around 40% of voting intentions, the minimum necessary to guarantee victory in the first round.
Fernández defends a firm stance in combating violence linked to drug trafficking and is known for her closeness to American President Donald Trump. If elected, the candidate would expand the presence of the right in Latin America, joining countries such as Chile, Argentina and Honduras.
Fernández’s main competitor is the center-right economist Álvaro Ramos, who seeks to capitalize on the popularity of current president Rodrigo Chaves. In addition to them, 20 other candidates are running for president, although they have little chance of advancing to a possible second round.
Estimates indicate that around 3 million voters are expected to go to the polls this Sunday to determine Costa Rica’s new head of state.
