In a significant shift for Costa Rica, voters have chosen conservative populist Laura Fernández as their new president, as indicated by preliminary election outcomes. This marks her as the latest right-leaning figure to ascend to leadership in Latin America.

With 96.8% of polling stations reporting, Fernández, representing the Sovereign People’s Party, secured 48.3% of the popular vote, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

Her main opponent, economist Álvaro Ramos from the National Liberation Party, garnered 33.4% of the vote, as noted by the Associated Press.

On election night, Ramos acknowledged his defeat, paving the way for the 39-year-old Fernández to commence her four-year presidency in May.

Costa Rica’s election of conservative populist Laura Fernández with 48.3% of the vote adds her to the roster of recent right-leaning leaders in Latin America. (Carlos Borbon/AP Photo)

Fernández, a former government minister, steps into the shoes of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who is barred by the constitution from running for another term.

She campaigned on continuing Chaves’ populist agenda, which reshaped Costa Rican politics by arguing against traditional parties and promising tougher action on crime.

Fernández served as minister of national planning and later as minister of the presidency, giving her a central role in Chaves’ administration.

Laura Fernández is the chosen successor of President Rodrigo Chaves and promises to continue his agenda. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

Crime had dominated the campaign in Costa Rica amid sharp rises in homicides, gang activity and drug trafficking by cartels.

The murder rate had increased by 50% over the last six years, according to reports.

Fernández pledged a hard-line security strategy, including increased cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and tougher measures against organized crime.

She has also floated controversial proposals inspired by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.

This included construction of a special prison for gang leaders, the Associated Press reported.

Costa Rica elects conservative populist Laura Fernández as president with 48.3% of the vote. (Carlos Borbon/AP Photo)

“My hand won’t shake when it comes to making the decisions we need to restore peace in Costa Rican homes,” Fernández said during the campaign.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández in a statement Monday.

“Under her leadership, we are confident Costa Rica will continue to advance shared priorities to include combating narco-trafficking, ending illegal immigration to the United States, promoting cybersecurity and secure telecommunications, and strengthening economic ties,” Rubio said.

“I hope that we can immediately lower the flags of whichever political party and start working only in favor of the Costa Rican flag,” Fernández said after the result. 

“I believe the Costa Rican people expect nothing less of us,” she added.