US, EU HAIL LAURA FERNÁNDEZ ON ELECTION AS COSTA RICA PRESIDENT

By: Muftau Fatimo
Laura Fernández Delgado, a 39-year-old political scientist, has emerged as Costa Rica’s president, becoming only the second woman to hold the nation’s highest office.
The general elections on February 1 determined both the presidency, with a four-year term, and all 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly.
Fernández, who previously served as President Rodrigo Chaves’ chief of staff and Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy, leveraged Chaves’ popularity to secure victory in the first round of voting
The Sovereign People’s Party candidate secured 49 percent of the vote, defeating her closest rival, Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, who garnered 33 percent.
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Fernández has pledged to uphold the rule of law, promising that any legislation deemed ineffective, outdated, or obstructive to development “will be amended or repealed.”
On Monday, the United States congratulated the president-elect, expressing confidence that Costa Rica will continue advancing shared priorities, including combating narco-trafficking. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation in cybersecurity, secure telecommunications, economic relations, and curbing illegal immigration to the U.S.
The European Union also commended Fernández and praised Costa Rican citizens for demonstrating a strong commitment to democracy, as reflected in the high voter turnout. The EU expressed eagerness to strengthen ties based on shared values and interests, including multilateralism, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
