Costa Ricans Vote on Chaves' Successor Amid Populist Policies and Crime Surge

• Costa Ricans are voting to decide whether to continue outgoing conservative populist Rodrigo Chaves' policies by electing his chosen successor, Laura Fernandez, or opt for new parties.
• The nation's rising crime rate is a major factor, with some blaming Chaves' administration for not reducing it, while others see his confrontational approach as the best solution.
• Laura Fernandez, Chaves' former minister, leads polls, aiming for an outright win with over 40% of the vote to avoid an April 5 runoff.
• Voters will also elect a new 57-seat National Assembly; Chaves' party seeks gains but may not achieve a supermajority needed to appoint Supreme Court magistrates.
• The election is seen as a critical choice between radical systemic change proposed by Chaves' party and reforms sought by other parties, reflecting a broader trend of conservative populism in the region.

Why It Matters: Costa Ricans are at a critical electoral crossroads, choosing between populist continuity and systemic reform.