Laura Fernández Secures Costa Rica Presidency With Hardline Security Vows

Laura Fernández won the presidential election in the first round after promising to adopt hardline security measures to combat drug trafficking.The 39-year-old candidate obtained roughly 50 percent of the vote, leading her main opponent Álvaro Ramos to concede defeat following the initial count.Outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves endorsed Laura Fernández as his successor to continue his economic policies and implement Salvadoran-style anti-crime strategies.