Right-wing politician Laura Fernández has been elected president of Costa Rica following Sunday’s election, pledging to crack down on violence linked to the cocaine trade. According to AFP, she secured a landslide victory, surpassing the 40 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff. With 81.24 percent of votes counted, Fernández, the political successor to outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, received 48.94 percent, while her main rival, centrist economist Álvaro Ramos, obtained 33.02 percent.

Supporters of Fernández’s Sovereign People’s Party celebrated across the country, waving national flags in San José and other cities. In a video message at the party’s official event, the 39-year-old thanked Chaves for his trust and promised to work tirelessly for economic growth, freedom, and progress. She cited El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele’s strict anti-crime policies as an inspiration, and Bukele was the first foreign leader to congratulate her.

Analysts said Fernández’s victory signals a strengthening of right-wing politics in Latin America. Critics, however, fear possible constitutional changes, which she denied, reaffirming her commitment to Costa Rica’s democratic tradition.