What is at stake in Costa Rica’s 2026 election?

Under the constitution, the president serves a single four-year term and cannot be immediately re-elected, meaning each election results in a full change of executive leadership. If no candidate wins at least 40 per cent of the vote, a runoff will be held in April.

The country is currently governed by President Rodrigo Chaves, who took office in 2022 and is constitutionally barred from seeking another consecutive term. His administration has operated without a stable majority in the Legislative Assembly, reflecting a broader pattern in Costa Rican politics in which fragmented parliaments limit executive power and force negotiation across party lines. This institutional design makes legislative results as important as the presidential contest itself.

Polling ahead of the election suggests that the candidate, Laura Fernández, linked to the current governing camp is leading the race and approaching the threshold required to win outright in the first round. Opposition parties, meanwhile, remain divided among multiple contenders, making it difficult to consolidate support behind a single alternative. A large share of undecided voters means the outcome is still not guaranteed, but the current polling landscape points to continuity rather than a sharp political rupture.

This dynamic matters because the presidency in Costa Rica holds key responsibilities, including directing public policy, overseeing security strategy and representing the country internationally. At the same time, a fragmented legislature can constrain the next president’s ability to pass reforms, making the balance of power between the executive and parliament central to how effectively the next government can govern.

The election takes place against a backdrop of growing public concern over crime, economic pressures and confidence in institutions. While Costa Rica remains one of Latin America’s most stable democracies, these issues have intensified political debate and tested the traditional consensus-driven model that long defined the country’s politics.

For Costa Rica, the 2026 vote is not only about choosing a new leader, but about how its democratic system functions in a more fragmented and demanding political environment. The result will indicate whether the current governing approach retains voter backing and how the country’s long-standing institutional framework adapts to changing political realities.