Costa Rica’s 2026 General Elections: Dates, Issues, and Candidate Profiles
Costa Rica enters the 2026 election season with a calm mood; however, voters feel the weight of rising national challenges. Meanwhile, security concerns, economic pressure, and frustration with corruption and public services shape the tone of this pivotal race. As a result, many citizens continue evaluating a diverse field of candidates offering sharply different visions for the country’s future. In total, 20 candidates, including 5 women, will stand in the Presidential Election — and for this reason, our article focuses exclusively on the top 5 contenders and only on the Presidential race.
1. 2026 Elections at a Glance
📅 Key Election Dates
- 1 February 2026: First-round vote
- 5 April 2026: Runoff if needed
- 8 May 2026: Presidential inauguration
Since 2014, no presidential candidate in Costa Rica has won in the 1st round, so if history (and current polling) holds true, Costa Rica may very well be going to the polls twice before this election is settled.
🗳️ How the Process Works
- A candidate wins with 40% of the vote.
- If no one reaches that mark, the top two candidates advance.
- Voters also elect 57 legislators on the same day.
🔥 Main Voter Issues in 2026
🚨 Security — Security dominates public concern due to rising homicides and expanding trafficking routes. As a result, many communities feel pressure from organized groups operating with greater reach. Consequently, voters want clear plans that reduce violence without disrupting daily life.
🧭 Corruption — Corruption worries many citizens who feel trust in institutions has weakened. In recent years, several investigations have increased public frustration with political leadership. Therefore, voters want stronger oversight and cleaner decision‑making across government.
💸 Economy and Cost of Living — Economic pressure affects families facing higher prices and slow wage growth. At the same time, many workers feel uncertain about long‑term job stability. For this reason, voters want practical solutions that support growth without increasing financial strain.
🏥 Public Services — Public services face growing demand from a changing population. Meanwhile, schools and hospitals struggle with limited resources and rising expectations. Accordingly, voters want improvements that strengthen access without creating new burdens.
2. 👥 Candidate Introductions and Their Issue Positions
- Laura Fernández: 35% support — Age 39, PPSD
- Álvaro Ramos: 8% support — Age 63, PLN
- Ariel Robles: 5% support — Age 31, Frente Amplio
- Fabricio Alvarado: 5% support — Age 50, Nueva República
- Claudia Dobles: 4% support — Age 44, Citizen Agenda Coalition
- Undecided: 43%
Biography
Laura Fernández (PPSO – Sovereign People’s Party’s) is a public administrator with deep experience in government operations. She served as chief‑of‑staff to President Rodrigo Chaves. Her career includes work in public management and institutional modernization. She is known for disciplined leadership and strong organizational skills.
Demographic Support
She attracts voters who support the current administration’s direction. Security‑focused and center‑right voters respond strongly to her message. Younger professionals also show interest in her administrative background.
Platform and Promises
Her platform emphasizes strong security measures and continuity with current policing reforms. She supports investment programs that encourage job creation and private sector growth. She promises tighter oversight of public spending and improved efficiency in government services. Her proposals focus on stability, order, and practical management.
Key Issue Positions
- Security: Tough policing and continuity with current reforms.
- Economy: Job creation and investment incentives.
- Corruption: Stronger oversight within existing frameworks.
- Public Services: Targeted improvements without major structural changes.
- Controversial Position: Supports continuing several security strategies from the current administration, which some critics view as overly aggressive.
Biography
Álvaro Ramos (PLN – National Liberation Party) is an economist with long experience in public institutions. He previously led Costa Rica’s social security and pension systems. His career includes academic work and policy development. He is known for a calm, analytical approach.
Demographic Support
He appeals to older voters who value institutional stability. Many public sector employees trust his experience with social programs. Moderate and centrist voters also respond to his steady tone.
Platform and Promises
His platform focuses on fiscal stability, pension health, and long‑term economic planning. He supports coordinated policing strategies and stronger institutional capacity. He promises reforms that improve transparency and strengthen public trust. His proposals highlight responsible management and sustainable development.
Key Issue Positions
- Security: Coordinated policing and stronger institutions.
- Economy: Fiscal stability and pension protection.
- Corruption: Institutional reforms and tighter controls.
- Public Services: Efficiency in health and social programs.
- Controversial Position: Proposes pension adjustments that some unions fear could reduce long‑term benefits for certain workers.
Biography
Ariel Robles (Frente Amplio – Broad Front) is a young legislator known for progressive ideas. He built his career through activism and community engagement. His work in the Assembly focuses on social equity and public services. He is recognized for clear communication and strong advocacy.
Demographic Support
He attracts younger voters seeking alternatives to traditional parties. Many public service workers support his focus on equity. Urban voters with progressive values also respond to his message.
Platform and Promises
His platform emphasizes social investment, public service expansion, and stronger protections for vulnerable groups. He supports prevention‑based security strategies and community programs. He promises deeper transparency reforms and stronger anti‑corruption enforcement. His proposals highlight fairness, inclusion, and long‑term social development.
Key Issue Positions
- Security: Prevention programs and community investment.
- Economy: Progressive reforms and public support.
- Corruption: Transparency and strict enforcement.
- Public Services: Strong focus on education and health.
- Controversial Position: Supports expanding public spending on social programs, which critics argue could strain national finances.
Biography
Fabricio Alvarado (Partido Nueva República – New Republic Party ) is an evangelical singer and experienced political figure. He previously served as a legislator and ran for president twice. His public career blends religious leadership and political advocacy. He is known for strong conservative positions.
Demographic Support
He attracts socially conservative voters across the country. Many evangelical communities support his message. Rural voters also respond to his emphasis on traditional values.
Platform and Promises
His platform emphasizes strict security measures and stronger policing. He supports conservative fiscal policies and incentives for business growth. He promises moral renewal and tougher penalties for corruption. His proposals highlight order, discipline, and traditional social structures.
Key Issue Positions
- Security: Hardline policing and strict enforcement.
- Economy: Conservative fiscal policy and business incentives.
- Corruption: Moral renewal and stronger penalties.
- Public Services: Traditional values and targeted reforms.
- Controversial Position: Advocates socially conservative policies that critics say restrict rights for LGBTQ+ communities.
c/o Chrishoforos wikicommons.Biography
Claudia Dobles (Coalition of PAC – Citizens’ Action Party and National Democratic Agenda) is an architect with strong expertise in urban planning. She served as Costa Rica’s first lady (2018-20220 and led major mobility projects. Her work includes sustainability planning and infrastructure design. She is known for a technical, forward‑looking approach.
Demographic Support
She appeals to voters interested in modernization and long‑term planning. Many professionals in engineering and design support her vision. Urban voters also respond to her mobility and sustainability proposals.
Platform and Promises
Her platform focuses on sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades, and improved mobility systems. She supports planning strategies that reduce risk and improve public safety. She promises cleaner governance through modernization and digital systems. Her proposals highlight innovation, efficiency, and long‑term national growth.
Key Issue Positions
- Security: Planning and mobility improvements that reduce risk.
- Economy: Sustainable development and infrastructure growth.
- Corruption: Modernization and digital transparency.
- Public Services: Mobility, infrastructure, and strategic planning.
- Controversial Position: Promotes large infrastructure and mobility projects that some communities criticize for high costs and long timelines.
3.❓ Share of Undecided Voters
A large share of voters remain undecided, creating significant uncertainty across the entire race. In many cases, their hesitation reflects frustration with rising national challenges and limited confidence in political parties. Because of this, this group holds enough influence to shift outcomes quickly, especially during the final weeks of the campaign
🫤Undecided voters remain the largest single group in the race!
- 44% undecided in Idespo‑UNA polling
- 55% undecided in CIEP‑UCR polling (Oct–Nov 2025)
- Over 40% undecided in multiple national polls just weeks before the elections
🧭 What This Means for the Elections
- Fernández leads comfortably but has not secured a guaranteed first‑round victory.
- Ramos, Robles, Dobles, and Alvarado remain clustered in low single digits, competing for visibility.
- The undecided vote is large enough to reshape the entire field, especially if late swings occur.
The day is fast approaching and all eyes are on the undecided voters!
4. ⌛A Look Back at The 2022 Elections
Costa Rica’s 2022 general election marked one of the most fragmented races in the country’s modern history, with more than 20 presidential candidates splitting the vote and forcing a runoff. Ultimately, in the second round, Rodrigo Chaves Robles — a former finance minister running under the Social Democratic Progress Party — won the presidency. His victory, however, reflected widespread frustration with economic stagnation, rising living costs, and distrust of traditional political parties. Since then, Costa Rica has experienced a mix of progress and strain: the economy has shown periods of recovery driven by tourism and foreign investment, yet at the same time, public concern about security, organized crime, and the cost of living has grown. Moreover, Chaves’ administration has been marked by confrontations with the press and institutional tensions, contributing to ongoing fragmentation and a polarized political climate heading into the 2026 election cycle.
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