Laura Fernández Delgado

Stories

Costa Rica's security election

President since May 8, 2026; opened CACCO on October 14 and saw its first 123 inmates transferred October 27; third package of security bills due in Congress by November

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949 and built Latin America's most stable democracy. On February 1, 2026, voters elected Laura Fernández Delgado of the Pueblo Soberano Party (PPSO) with 48.53%, the first first-round win since 2010. Her party took 31 of 57 legislative seats, a simple-majority mandate to fight drug violence that has pushed homicides to record highs.

Updated Oct 17

Notable Quotes

"I am going to isolate the leaders of organised crime." — Campaign speech, January 2026

from Costa Rica's security election · Updated Oct 17

"Democracy has spoken and voted for continuity of change." — Victory statement[2]

from Costa Rica's security election · Updated Oct 17

"Change will be deep and irreversible... building the third republic." — Victory speech[4]

from Costa Rica's security election · Updated Oct 17

"Under her leadership, we are confident Costa Rica will continue to advance shared priorities to include combatting narco-trafficking, ending illegal immigration to the United States, promoting cybersecurity and secure telecommunications, and strengthening economic ties." — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio[2]

from Costa Rica's security election · Updated Oct 17