SAN JOSE, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ruling party candidate Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People Party (PPSO) is leading in Costa Rica's presidential election, securing 53.01 percent of the votes counted.

Laura Fernandez of the ruling Sovereign People's Party prepares to cast her vote at a polling station in Cartago, Costa Rica, February 1, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

According to Supreme Electoral Tribunal, with 31.14 percent of polling stations reporting, Fernandez is now leading over Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party (PLN), who obtained 30.06 percent.