Costa Rican Populists Win Big but Miss Legislative Supermajority

Costa Rica’s conservative populist movement secured a decisive presidential victory on Sunday and gained control of the national legislature, but fell short of the supermajority needed to push through institutional reforms, according to official election results.

Laura Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party won the presidency outright in the first round, crossing the threshold required to avoid a runoff.

Her victory extends the political project of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves and reflects voter concern over rising crime, corruption, and economic pressures that have reshaped Costa Rica’s political landscape in recent years.

• Costa Rica populists win presidency but miss supermajority for reforms
• Laura Fernández secures mandate as legislature remains fragmented
• Costa Rica election signals populist shift with limits on executive power

Fernández’s party also emerged as the largest force in the 57-seat Legislative Assembly, winning 31 seats. While the result gives the new government a working majority, it leaves the party seven seats short of the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution, overhaul autonomous institutions or pass emergency legislation without opposition backing.

The traditional National Liberation Party finished second, winning 17 seats, followed by the left-leaning Broad Front with seven. Two smaller parties secured the remaining seats, limiting the number of potential coalition partners available to the incoming administration.

Analysts said the outcome underscores both the strength and limits of Costa Rica’s populist surge. Voters rewarded Fernández’s tough rhetoric on crime and promises to challenge entrenched political interests, but stopped short of granting her unchecked legislative power.

During his concession speech, National Liberation Party candidate Alvaro Ramos said his party would adopt a firm but constructive opposition role, supporting measures that align with its principles while resisting policies it views as harmful to democratic checks and balances.

Fernández, who will take office on May 8, becomes the country’s second female president. Her administration will face immediate pressure to deliver results on public security and economic growth while navigating a fragmented legislature where negotiation will be necessary to advance key reforms.

Also Read: Venezuela's Interim Leader Meets U.S. Envoy As Diplomatic Talk Advance

The election confirms a shift in Costa Rican politics toward more confrontational leadership, even as institutional constraints continue to shape the pace and scope of change.