Polls are now open in Costa Rica, marking a significant moment for the country's centre-right populist government. The government, led by President Rodrigo Chaves' protege Laura Fernandez, is seeking to extend its mandate and secure control of the Legislative Assembly, amidst rising drug-fuelled violence.
Voting stations opened at 6am local time on Sunday and will remain open until 6pm GMT, with early trends expected to emerge within hours. Fernandez, who is leading in the polls with over 40 percent support, is set to avoid a run-off vote if she meets this threshold.
Fernandez has pledged to continue Chaves' tough security policies and anti-establishment message, which has helped her maintain a strong lead. Her closest rivals, Alvaro Ramos and Claudia Dobles, are polling in the single digits but are seen as potential contenders for a run-off if Fernandez falls short of 40 percent.
The current government holds just eight seats in the Legislative Assembly, with Fernandez seeking to win 40 seats to secure a supermajority. This would allow her to pursue constitutional reforms and overcome the legislative gridlock that has hindered Chaves' agenda.
Despite concerns over rising drug violence, which has gripped the country, President Chaves remains deeply popular, with an approval rating of 58 percent. Fernandez has positioned herself as the continuity of his mandate, suggesting that she will include him in her government.
As voters cast their ballots, many are expressing frustration with past governments' promises, which they believe have not been fulfilled. For some, like Yheison Ugarte, a 26-year-old deliveryman from Limon, the decision to vote is driven by a desire for change and an end to the violence that has plagued his city.
The outcome of this election will be closely watched, with implications for Costa Rica's politics and security landscape.
Voting stations opened at 6am local time on Sunday and will remain open until 6pm GMT, with early trends expected to emerge within hours. Fernandez, who is leading in the polls with over 40 percent support, is set to avoid a run-off vote if she meets this threshold.
Fernandez has pledged to continue Chaves' tough security policies and anti-establishment message, which has helped her maintain a strong lead. Her closest rivals, Alvaro Ramos and Claudia Dobles, are polling in the single digits but are seen as potential contenders for a run-off if Fernandez falls short of 40 percent.
The current government holds just eight seats in the Legislative Assembly, with Fernandez seeking to win 40 seats to secure a supermajority. This would allow her to pursue constitutional reforms and overcome the legislative gridlock that has hindered Chaves' agenda.
Despite concerns over rising drug violence, which has gripped the country, President Chaves remains deeply popular, with an approval rating of 58 percent. Fernandez has positioned herself as the continuity of his mandate, suggesting that she will include him in her government.
As voters cast their ballots, many are expressing frustration with past governments' promises, which they believe have not been fulfilled. For some, like Yheison Ugarte, a 26-year-old deliveryman from Limon, the decision to vote is driven by a desire for change and an end to the violence that has plagued his city.
The outcome of this election will be closely watched, with implications for Costa Rica's politics and security landscape.
. I was at my aunt's birthday party in Mexico and we were having a huge celebration with all the extended family. My cousin's kids were running around, and I swear they had more energy than a pack of wild llamas 
. Anyway, it got me thinking about how much Costa Rica loves its nature, you know? Like, have you seen those pictures of the Arenal Volcano? It's like a real-life movie prop 
... wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, the election! I hope they can figure out a way to make peace with that drug violence 
so i think what's really interesting about fernandez' chances is that she's not just riding on chaves' coattails, but actually seems to have her own vision for the country 
. like, she's got a solid lead in the polls, and it's not just because people are scared of the opposition 
. there's something about her message that resonates with costans (that's what locals call themselves) on a deeper level.
. like, if she wins and tries to push through some major reforms, it could either be a game-changer for the country or a total disaster 
. but at the same time, it's clear that fernandez genuinely believes in what she's doing, which is admirable.
. costa rica has some serious issues to tackle, and if fernandez can come up with some solid solutions 
. I mean, it's not just about Fernandez vs. the other two, it's about breaking free from the status quo 
. If she gets it, watch out for some serious reforms 
. Can't help but wonder what Yheison and others are thinking when they cast their ballots 
. Anyway, early trends are already popping up, so fingers crossed that the people speak loud and clear 
.
It seems like they're looking for change, and I get it. I've been following this election and I'm just wondering if she's gonna live up to the hype... or if there'll be a run-off. 
Does anyone know how that works?
back in 1994. And now, Costa Rica is doing the same thing. It's like déjà vu, you know?
But seriously, I hope she can make a difference in that country. They've been dealing with some serious issues, especially the drug violence.
Ugh, voting is hard sometimes. But hey, at least they're trying to make a difference, right? 
. Some ppl r really fed up with gov promises not coming true, like Ugarte from Limon, poor dude's city is dealing with some serious violence 
. hope whoever wins brings some real change 
. It'll be fascinating to see how this plays out in the real world and whether it resonates with voters who are looking for a change.
. It's clear that many voters are fed up with promises not being fulfilled and are looking for leaders who can deliver on their campaign promises 