Costa Rica, one of Central America’s safest countries and a stable democracy, has seen a rise in crime over the past years as transnational criminal gangs have expanded in the region.
On the campaign trail, Fernández said she would emulate some of the policies of the El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele.
Bukele has sky-high approval ratings with Salvadoreans saying they are grateful for his iron-fist approach to crime, which has seen the murder rate plummet.
Fernández has said she will declare a state of emergency in areas where gangs hold sway and finish the construction of a high-security jail similar to the Cecot prison in El Salvador.
Addressing concerns by her critics that her policies could erode the rights of citizens, Fernández declared in her victory speech that her government would be one of “dialogue and national harmony, respectful and firmly based in the rule of law”.
She did however strike a combative note too, criticising the opposition for its “obstruction and sabotage” in a reference to the challenges Chaves faced getting some of his policies approved in parliament, which was dominated by opposition lawmakers.
With her party winning 30 out of the 57 seats in parliament, Fernández is expected to have more backing in the legislature than her predecessor in office.