US, EU congratulate Costa Rica president-elect Laura Fernández

Laura Fernández Delgado, a 39-year-old political scientist, has won Costa Rica’s presidential election, becoming the second woman to lead the Central American nation.

The general elections held on February 1 decided the next president, with a four-year term, and all 57 members of the Legislative Assembly.

Laura rode on President Rodrigo Chaves’ popularity to win in the first round of voting. She was Chaves’ ex-chief of staff and served as Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy

The Sovereign People’s Party candidate won 49 percent of the vote, defeating her closest challenger, Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, who secured 33 percent.

Laura has promised to be firm on the rule of law, assuring that any law that is ineffective, obsolete, or has become a hindrance to development “will be modified or repealed.”

The United States on Monday congratulated the President-Elect, expressing confidence that Costa Rica will further advance shared priorities in combating narco-trafficking.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement, urged continued partnership in cybersecurity, secure telecommunications, economic ties, and ending illegal immigration to the U.S.

The European Union, in its reaction, lauded the President-Elect and praised the people of Costa Rica for their strong commitment to democracy, depicted by the high voter turnout.

The EU looks forward to strengthening relations, based on common values and interests, including a shared commitment to multilateralism, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

“Costa Rica is one of our most solid partners in multilateral fora in defending a rules-based international order and in advancing the green and digital transitions,” a statement by the EU reads.