EPISODE · Mar 20, 2026 · 33 MIN
Unpacking Costa Rica's Elections
from 35 West · host Center for Strategic and International Studies
On February 1, Costa Rica held elections to determine its next president. The vote ushered in a new political phase amid economic pressures, public dissatisfaction with traditional parties, and growing regional security challenges. The outcome of these elections carries implications not only for Costa Rica’s domestic governance, but also for democratic trends throughout Central America, regional economic cooperation, and bilateral relations with the United States. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Kevin Casas, the Secretary General of International IDEA, former Vice President of Costa Rica and an expert on democratic governance, political institutions, and international affairs. Together, the two discuss the election results, President-elect Laura Fernández' agenda for governance, and what the election means for Costa Rica's regional relations. They also delve into some of the key issues Fernández will face in office, ranging from economic growth priorities, to rising concerns over crime and violence, to relations with the Trump administration in the United States.
What this episode covers
On February 1, Costa Rica held elections to determine its next president. The vote ushered in a new political phase amid economic pressures, public dissatisfaction with traditional parties, and growing regional security challenges. The outcome of these elections carries implications not only for Costa Rica’s domestic governance, but also for democratic trends throughout Central America, regional economic cooperation, and bilateral relations with the United States. In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Kevin Casas, the Secretary General of International IDEA, former Vice President of Costa Rica and an expert on democratic governance, political institutions, and international affairs. Together, the two discuss the election results, President-elect Laura Fernández' agenda for governance, and what the election means for Costa Rica's regional relations. They also delve into some of the key issues Fernández will face in office, ranging from economic growth priorities, to rising concerns over crime and violence, to relations with the Trump administration in the United States.
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Unpacking Costa Rica's Elections
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