This Sunday, Costa Rica will vote for a new president. The election comes at a time when crime and political indifference have taken center stage.
For many Costa Ricans, security is the top concern. A recent poll shows that people feel uneasy about rising violence and a drop in their quality of life. Voters are frustrated by the political chaos, with a staggering twenty candidates running for president.
Laura Fernández, a 39-year-old former Minister of National Planning from the ruling party, leads the polls. She’s likely to win outright, given that candidates need at least 40% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Interestingly, over a quarter of voters remain undecided.
The rise in crime is alarming for a country that once prided itself on being peaceful. Costa Rica was the first nation to abolish its army, a notable achievement in a region known for turmoil. Yet, with 905 homicides reported in 2023, the country has seen some of its darkest years in recent history. Much of this violence is linked to drug trafficking, and the U.S. Treasury recently labeled Costa Rica a key player in global cocaine transportation.
Costa Rica’s challenges mirror those faced by other Latin American countries. From Ecuador to Chile, citizens are turning out to vote due to fears of crime. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has gained fame for his harsh approach to crime, drastically lowering murder rates through mass incarcerations. While his methods raise human rights concerns, his popularity continues to soar in the region.
Inside Costa Rica, some politicians look to replicate Bukele’s approach. Last month, a new prison modeled after Bukele’s notorious facilities broke ground, with backing from the current president.
Political analyst José Andrés Díaz González believes this security crisis is partly due to crumbling social services. He states that issues in health and education, combined with rising crime, create a dangerous environment for citizens.
“The social contract is weakening,” Díaz noted. As the population ages and resources dwindle, the strain on the social safety net is expected to worsen.
In a recent report, the State of the Nation Program highlighted a modest economic recovery in Costa Rica, with growing tech exports. However, experts argue that this growth benefits only a small portion of the population. Free trade zones are thriving, but they only represent a tiny fraction of overall employment and production.
In recent years, political engagement has also dipped. A study found that political party affiliation has fallen sharply; only one in five Costa Ricans currently identifies with a party. This trend raises alarms, especially when voter turnout was at its lowest in 2022, with two out of five eligible voters staying home.
Both Díaz and fellow analyst Leonardo Merino highlight that the traditional social pact—the fabric of Costa Rican society—is at risk, particularly with growing environmental concerns and shifts in resource management. It’s a pivotal moment for the country, calling for leaders who can bridge the gap between government and citizens.
As elections approach, Costa Rica faces a critical test. The results could reshape its identity, moving from a peaceful nation known for environmentalism to potentially adopting a more authoritarian approach, similar to El Salvador. Will Costa Rica uphold its values, or will it succumb to pressure for drastic measures?
