Costa Rica: Laura Fernandez new president with 48.9% of the vote

Milan, 2 February (LaPresse/Ap) – Laura Fernandez is set to become the new president of Costa Rica. This is according to preliminary and partial election results. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported that, with 81% of the votes counted, conservative populist Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People’s Party obtained 48.9% of the votes. Her closest challenger was economist Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party with 33%. Ramos conceded defeat on Sunday evening and pledged to lead a “constructive opposition”, but one that will not let those in power get away with anything. At least 40% of the total votes are needed to win the presidential election in the first round and avoid a run-off.